Terracotta Army

Definition

The Terracotta Army is a collection of thousands of life-sized clay sculptures representing the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, buried with him in 210-209 BCE to protect him in the afterlife. This extraordinary find illustrates significant advances in Chinese metallurgy and craftsmanship during the Qin Dynasty, showcasing how metal tools were essential in creating these intricate figures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well near Xi'an, China, revealing one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century.
2. Over 8,000 soldiers, along with horses and chariots, have been excavated from the site, each figure uniquely detailed and positioned to represent a military formation.
3. The figures were originally painted in bright colors, many of which have faded due to exposure to air and moisture since their discovery.
4. Metal tools were used in both the construction of the terracotta figures and the bronze weapons that were found alongside them, highlighting advanced metallurgical techniques of the time.
5. The Terracotta Army reflects not only the power of Qin Shi Huang but also his beliefs about the afterlife, as he sought to create an army to protect him beyond death.

Review Questions

• How does the construction of the Terracotta Army illustrate advancements in Chinese metallurgy during the Qin Dynasty?
  • The construction of the Terracotta Army showcases advancements in Chinese metallurgy through the use of metal tools employed to create these intricate clay figures. The ability to craft such detailed sculptures and assemble them in military formations indicates significant skill and innovation in metalworking techniques at that time. The discovery of bronze weapons alongside these figures further highlights how metallurgy influenced not only art but also military capabilities during the Qin Dynasty.
• Discuss the cultural significance of the Terracotta Army in relation to the beliefs and practices surrounding funerary art in ancient China.
  • The Terracotta Army holds immense cultural significance as it reflects ancient Chinese beliefs about life after death and the importance of funerary art. The figures were created to accompany Qin Shi Huang into the afterlife, embodying his desire for protection and continuity beyond death. This practice underscores how funerary art served as a means to honor the deceased while also ensuring their power and status were preserved in eternity.
• Evaluate the impact of the Terracotta Army's discovery on modern understanding of early Chinese civilization and its metallurgical innovations.
  • The discovery of the Terracotta Army has profoundly impacted modern understanding of early Chinese civilization by providing insights into its social structure, military organization, and artistic achievements. The vast number of life-sized figures demonstrates not only a high level of craftsmanship but also sophisticated metallurgical innovations that facilitated such large-scale production. This finding has led historians to reevaluate the technological capabilities of ancient China, emphasizing its advanced skills in metallurgy that contributed significantly to both art and warfare during this transformative period.

Related terms

Qin Dynasty:

The first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221 to 206 BCE, known for unifying China and implementing significant reforms in governance and infrastructure.

Bronze Casting: A metalworking technique that involves pouring molten bronze into molds to create tools, weapons, and sculptures, which was widely used during the Shang and Zhou dynasties.

Funerary Art: Art created to honor and accompany the dead in the afterlife, often involving elaborate burial practices and objects, such as those found with the Terracotta Army.