Terracotta Army

Definition

The Terracotta Army is a collection of thousands of life-sized clay sculptures buried with China's First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, around 210-209 BCE to protect him in the afterlife. This impressive assembly reflects the sophistication of early Chinese civilization, showcasing advanced artistry, military organization, and beliefs about the afterlife that were prevalent during the rise of ancient China.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well near Xi'an, China, revealing one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.
2. It is estimated that the army consists of over 8,000 soldiers, along with 670 horses and more than 130 chariots, all crafted to represent the emperor's actual army.
3. Each figure in the Terracotta Army varies in height and facial features, reflecting real soldiers from Qin's time, highlighting advanced techniques in pottery and sculpture.
4. The Terracotta Army was created as part of a larger necropolis surrounding Qin Shi Huang's tomb, which is still largely unexplored and believed to hold many more artifacts.
5. The construction of the army required massive resources and labor, showcasing the emperor's power and the state’s ability to mobilize and organize a large workforce.

Review Questions

• How does the Terracotta Army reflect the social structure and beliefs of early Chinese civilization during Qin Shi Huang's reign?
  • The Terracotta Army illustrates the hierarchical social structure of early Chinese civilization by depicting a vast array of soldiers and their ranks. This variety showcases not just military organization but also indicates the importance placed on protection in the afterlife, highlighting beliefs about immortality and ancestor veneration. The effort put into creating such a large number of figures signifies how deeply rooted these cultural values were in society during Qin Shi Huang's rule.
• Discuss the significance of the Terracotta Army in understanding the political power dynamics during the Qin Dynasty.
  • The Terracotta Army serves as a significant symbol of Qin Shi Huang's political power and ambitions. By commissioning such an extensive burial site filled with replicas of his army, he aimed to ensure his protection in death as he did in life. This reflects not only his desire for immortality but also illustrates how centralized authority under his rule allowed for monumental projects that reinforced his status as a powerful leader who could command vast resources and labor.
• Evaluate how the discovery of the Terracotta Army has changed historical perspectives on ancient Chinese funerary practices and imperial authority.
  • The discovery of the Terracotta Army has transformed historical perspectives on ancient Chinese funerary practices by revealing intricate beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife that were previously less understood. It emphasizes how emperors like Qin Shi Huang were seen as having divine-like status, necessitating elaborate preparations for their journey after death. This find has also prompted scholars to reconsider imperial authority during this era, illustrating how it was intricately tied to cultural expressions such as art and collective labor that reflected societal values around power, legacy, and continuity.

Related terms

Qin Shi Huang: The first Emperor of China, who unified the country and is known for his significant reforms, including standardization of currency, weights, and measures.

Burial Mound: A large earthwork constructed to cover a burial site, commonly associated with royal or elite individuals in ancient China, including the tomb of Qin Shi Huang.

Chinese Ancestor Worship: A traditional practice in Chinese culture where reverence and offerings are made to deceased ancestors, reflecting the belief in maintaining relationships with those who have passed.