The Terracotta Army, also known as the Terra
Cotta Warriors and Horses, is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting
the armies of Qin Shi Huangdi (the first emperor of China from 260-210
B.C.).
The museum consists of three huge pits and the hall of
the two bronze chariots and horses. Covering an area of 22,780 square meters,
more than 8,000 terra cotta soldiers and horses, as well as more than 10,000
bronze weapons, were discovered in the three separate pits. The museum
provides a treasure trove of information on the Qin Dynasty's military,
science and technology, art and culture. It has been listed as an UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, built the huge
Terracotta Army to protect him in the afterlife. An elaborate tomb complex
in Xi'an, the city-size compound came equipt with everything the emperor
would require in the afterlife. Like the Egyptians, the ancient Chinese
believed the items they took with them to the grave would accompany them
into the afterlife. But instead of burying actual people with him underground,
the emperor created clay reproductions of warriors, servants, horses, and
other objects. An incredible feat of design, the army also features a number
of ancient Chinese inventions, many of which no one realized dated back
as far as the Qin dynasty.
Despite excavating it for over 40 years, archeologists
have barely made a dent in this wonder of the ancient world. In total,
they've unearthed approximately 2,000 soldiers and believe 6,000 remain
uncovered. The focal point of the tomb, the Emperor's resting place, may
never even be touched due to the hazardous material found near it. So even
2,000+ years later, the famous Terracotta Army still manages to protect
its Emperor from the greedy hands of the living. ~ Ref: ranker.com
One of the terracotta warriors was found
almost perfectly preserved, with detailed footwear designed for grip, showing
that people thought about practical shoe design over 2,200 years ago.
Each of the 8,000 clay warriors is unique, with no two
exactly alike. After the tomb was finished around 210-209 BC, it was robbed
and set on fire, causing the roof to collapse and destroy the warriors.
All displayed warriors today have been carefully restored.
Originally, these figures were vividly painted, but the colors faded quickly
to exposure after being uncovered in the 1970s.
The warriors were made to protect the tomb of Qin Shi
Huang, the first emperor of a unified China. The tomb, which remains unopened,
is rumored to contain a replica of his empire, complete with a pearl-decorated
ceiling resembling the night sky, rare treasures, and traps to deter thieves.
Workers who built the tomb were reportedly buried with
the emperor to keep its location secret. Ancient records claim the
tomb includes model rivers and seas made with mercury, flowing within it.
Modern tests have found high mercury levels in the soil around the tomb,
supporting these historical accounts.
