The discovery of the Terracotta Army in China’s Shaanxi province is one of the most remarkable archaeological finds of the modern era. This vast collection of life-size clay figures, created over 2,200 years ago to guard the tomb of the first emperor of unified China, Qin Shi Huang, has captivated the imagination of people around the world. Beyond their sheer scale and historic significance, the Terracotta Warriors also offer a fascinating glimpse into the engineering prowess and artistic vision of ancient Chinese civilization.
Discovering the Unparalleled Craftsmanship of the Terracotta Warriors
This is one of the only terracotta warriors that was found almost completely intact. Note the detail on the bottom of his shoe, showing that grip and traction were considered in footwear even 2,200 years ago. Each life-size clay warrior was crafted to be completely unique and there are no two terracotta warriors-among the 8,000 total-that are exactly the same. This remarkable attention to detail and individuality is a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans who created this extraordinary army.
The Tragic History of the Terracotta Warriors
Shortly after the completion of the tomb in 210-209 BC, it was looted for weapons and burned, causing the roof to collapse, crushing the terracotta warriors. All the other terracotta warriors that are currently on display were painstakingly restored. What’s even more remarkable is that the terracotta warriors were originally painted in bright colors by skilled artisans. Unfortunately, when they were exposed to air and sunlight during the excavation in the 1970s, the colors began to curl up almost immediately and disappeared within minutes, robbing us of the chance to see them in their full, original splendor.
The Mysteries of the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang
These terracotta warriors were put in place to guard the tomb of the first emperor of unified China–Qin Shi Huang. To this day, the tomb has yet to be opened. According to ancient historians, the tomb contains an entire kingdom and palace in which the ceilings are decorated with pearls to mimic the night sky. The tomb is also said to contain extremely rare artifacts and has been rigged with crossbows to shoot anyone trying to break in. To keep its location a secret, the workers were entombed with the emperor.
The Han dynasty historian, Sima Qian, also mentioned that inside the tomb, “mercury was used to fashion the hundred rivers, the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, and the seas in such a way that they flowed.” Modern tests have indicated extremely high levels of mercury in the surrounding soil, hinting at the extraordinary and enigmatic nature of Qin Shi Huang’s final resting place.
The Terracotta Army stands as a testament to the ingenuity, artistry, and ambition of ancient China. From the meticulous craftsmanship of the individual warriors to the grand scale and mysterious nature of Qin Shi Huang’s tomb, this archaeological treasure continues to captivate and inspire people around the world. As we unravel the secrets of the Terracotta Army, we catch glimpses of the remarkable civilization that created them, and are reminded of the boundless human capacity for innovation and the pursuit of immortality.
