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Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum

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Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum

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It was March 29, 1974 when the Teracotta- Army was unearthed after more than 2,000 years.

Qin (d. 210 B.C.), the first Chinese unifier, is buried in the middle of a complex that is modelled after the Xianyan capital's urban layout and is encircled by the renowned terracotta warriors - with their horses, chariots, and weaponry, the little figures are all unique; they are historical artifacts of remarkable realism.

Like many unearthed artifacts, it was SHARDS that led them to discovering an even great masterpiece of the great dynasty. It was said that local farmers discovered fragments of a clay figure; following the finding of these shards, an enormous ancient tomb with numerous treasures was found.

Thousands of sculptures depicting horses and armored warriors in combat formation can be found in the portion of the tomb that has been excavated. 8,000 life-size warriors are standing six feet or two meters tall. Each sculpture can weigh up to 272 kg (600 lbs). Every warrior is different in their face features, hair, attire, and stance.

Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, China Geographic Information

Country: China

Latitude: 34.383736

Longitude: 109.276390

DMS Lat: 34° 23' 1.4496''

NDMS Long: 109° 16' 35.0040''

EUTM Easting: 341,538.94

UTM Northing: 3,806,051.46

Category: Historical Sites

Country Code: CN

Zoom Level: 15

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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PIT NO.1: A SHATTERED ARMY FOUND AND RESTORED

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PIT NO.1: A SHATTERED ARMY FOUND AND RESTORED

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Roughly one-sixth of the soldiers buried are represented by the roughly 1,000 warriors on display in Pit No. 1. Until the necessary tools, resources, and circumstances allow for the continuation of excavations, the remaining areas are kept safe by the earth. Take note of the walls' beam imprints. The warriors broke because of their own collapse. Not a single one that was recovered whole.

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The Unveiled History: The Terra- Cotta Army

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The Unveiled History: The Terra- Cotta Army

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Qin Shihuang (259-210 B.C.E.) conquered much in this life, but his driving purpose was even greater; he sought to conquer death. In order to achieve immortality, he built himself a tomb, a vast underground city guarded by a life-size terracotta army including warriors, infantrymen, horses, chariots and all their attendant armor and weaponry.

Besides revealing much about an ancient way of life, observing the physical construction of the underground complex and the methodical production of the figures reveals a set of themes from which we gain a window of insight to the First Emperor’s worldview and enduring influence.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the burial complex is what it suggests about the young Emperor’s obsession with immortality. Driven to conquer death itself, the eventual First Emperor ascended to the throne of the Qin state at age of 13 and immediately began to plan his burial, and more importantly, his underground palace, a mausoleum attended by an army including over 7,000 terracotta warriors horses, chariots and weaponry intended to protect him in the afterlife. The First Emperor envisioned a subterranean domain that would parallel his worldly existence after corporal death.

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Unification of china

Among all the remarkable achievements of this era, the unification of China is without a doubt the most potent representation of the Qin dynasty's strength and influence. The Warring States period (475-221 BCE) was a turbulent period in Chinese history, during which The First Emperor established the short-lived Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE). He united the seven warring states into one country by 221 BCE, assuming the name Qin Shihuang, which translates to "First Emperor." Over the next two millennia, his legacy of a centralized, bureaucratic state would be perpetuated by succeeding dynasties.

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According to Han-dynasty historian Sima Qian, the First Emperor lined his burial complex with a treasury of riches and piles of precious gemstones said to represent the stars, sun and moon. He was deeply concerned with the universe and looked to the cosmos as a guide for crossing over to an immortal existence.

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Joel Arem / Science Photo Library

Cinnabar (HgS) was widely used in ancient China for decoration, medicine and alchemy 

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Excavation also revealed other mysterious findings, like strangely high levels of mercury and evidence that the poisonous substance coursed through an intricate system of underground troughs, replicating the topography of the actual rivers and seas carving the surrounding landscape. Some suggest that the emperor believed mercury had life-giving power and so surrounded himself with the toxic element, believing it was yet another way he might live forever.

The first detailed study of mercury levels in the mound were conducted in the early 1980s, when researchers from the Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration of the China Institute of Geo-Environment Monitoring sunk small boreholes into the soil over an area of 12,000m² in the centre of the mound and extracted soil samples for analysis. Whereas soils outside this central region contained an average of 30ppb of mercury, the average above the chamber was 250ppb, and in some places rose to 1500ppb. A second survey in 2003, by a different team that included Duan, found much the same result: unusually high concentrations of mercury both in the soil itself and in the interstitial vapours between grains.

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Works Cited

“A Glimpse into Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor-CSST.” Www.csstoday.com, www.csstoday.com/Item/8388.aspx. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.

Crooks, Mary. “Mar 29, 1974 CE: Terra-Cotta Warriors Found | National Geographic Society.” Education.nationalgeographic.org, 20 May 2022, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/terra-cotta-warriors-found/.

Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

“Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: Terracotta Warriors | Cai Guo-Qiang | NGV.” Www.ngv.vic.gov.au, www.ngv.vic.gov.au/media_release/melbourne-winter-masterpieces-terracotta-warriors-cai-guo-qiang/.

Pruitt, Sarah. “5 Things You May Not Know about the Terra Cotta Army.” HISTORY, 23 Aug. 2018, www.history.com/news/5-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-terra-cotta-army.

“Where Is Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, China on Map Lat Long Coordinates.” Www.latlong.net, www.latlong.net/place/emperor-qinshihuang-s-mausoleum-site-museum-china-1375.html. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.

"The Terracotta Army: A Complete Guide with Pictures & Infographics" https://www.chinahighlights.com/xian/terracotta-army/

Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.

Khan Academy. (n.d.). Terracotta warriors | the First qin emperor of China (article). Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/south-east-se-asia/china-art/a/terracotta-warriors-from-the-mausoleum-of-the-first-qin-emperor-of-china Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.

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The Terracotta Army in Xi'an - Why and How They Were Made

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The Terracotta Army/Warriors are a must-see attraction in Xi'an. Here find out about their history, discovery story, formations, exhibition, and categories.

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The first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, has a tomb guarded by the Terracotta Army. As a representation of the cultural and historical importance of ancient China, the Terracotta Army demonstrated the emperor's might and productivity during his first reign, which united the Chinese empire even though it fell four years after his death. The army's size and fine craftsmanship demonstrate the Qin Dynasty's (221–206 BCE) might and imperial aspirations. The Chinese soldier around the monarch highlights his protection; it was a noteworthy figure that shows the emperor that even in death, he was under the Chinese soldier's watchful eye. Hundreds of life-size Terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots in combat array make up the Terracotta Army. The tomb's 1974 discovery revealed an enormous archaeological trove, encouraged international cooperation, and renewed interest in China's old civilization once again. The Qin Tomb of Terracotta Warriors are a moving reminder to us as global history students of the interdependence of civilizations and the enduring ability of cultural legacy to bridge divides and bring people together in appreciation of our common past.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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The wooden chariots, despite being crushed by the collapsing roof, frequently left distinct imprints in the soil, facilitating their reconstruction and the determination of the appropriate space needed for them and their complement of four horses, three of which are depicted here as models. Underneath, the horses have been restored, with their manes meticulously groomed.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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Above: A view from the south-east corner shows the three lines that form the vanguard of archers. The lines suggest more a parade-ground display than a battle formation. Right: The vanguard in close-up.

Left: Puzzling over a restoration.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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Top-knots seem to mark rank-and-file archers, while a junior officer has braided hair. Though in the front ranks, they have surcoats instead of armor, perhaps for ease of movement, perhaps to show their bravery.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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PIT NO.2: A COMPLEX OF MILITARY FORMATIONS

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PIT NO.2: A COMPLEX OF MILITARY FORMATIONS

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The collapsed roof-timbers of Pit No. 2, which survive not as wood but as fossil-like remnants, hide a range of specialties and units: crossbowmen and longbowmen, heavy and light chariots, cavalry and foot-soldiers making about 1,000 warriors, 90 chariots and 400 horses in all. The most striking figures are the kneeling crossbowmen.

Top Left: Half-excavated crossbowman.

Top Right: A face emerges (right) from the earth with traces of the original pink ‘skin’ still in place over the undercoat and the raw terracotta.

Below Right: A group of crossbowmen before their removal. (For the story of one of them, see overleaf.)

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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Earth still in place beneath neat fingernails.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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Two kneeling archers half uncovered held on to enough of their colors for researchers to stabilize the paint and the underlying lacquer before it all flaked off. Like almost all figures, they had pink skin, with red tassels holding their leather armor plates.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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Inside the torso are fingermarks made by the potter as he smoothed the clay. Left: The potter’s signature, Zhao or Chao, on a scale of armor.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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He comes from the Pit of the Officials, discovered in 1999 and so named from its eight dignified figures apparently awaiting orders, with their hands tucked into their sleeves and writing instruments attached to their belts(left).

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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Right: A trick of lighting gives this soldier an expression of stoical patience.

Below: This rank-and-file soldier has a typical top-knot, but a personality all his own – a haughty bearing and a hint of a sneer that seems to express disdain for the enemy

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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Top Left: This rare head-dress and hairstyle signifies high rank, almost certainly that of a general (for his front view, see page one of this section).

Middle Left: Many soldiers wear caps of various shapes and sizes. This one with a prominent nose has a skull-cap that marks him as a horseman.

Below Left: Raised eyebrows and a hint of a smile suggest a restrained sense of humor.

Below Right: A bowman with a particularly towering top-knot sports a handlebar moustache and a goatee beard.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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As the result of collaboration between the museum and German specialists, computer software can re-paint one of the most famous warriors, a general unearthed from Pit No. 2.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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In this small pit of 68 figures, guards stand by and officers wait, either for their commander’s orders or to offer advice if required. A chariot is ready to take him or his orders to the battle front. Archaeologists found a deer-horn,

suggesting to some that the center had an animal to sacrifice in an attempt to influence the outcome of an imminent battle.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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JEWELS IN THE CROWN: TWO EXQUISITE BRONZE CARRIAGES

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JEWELS IN THE CROWN: TWO EXQUISITE BRONZE CARRIAGES

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The two half-size bronze carriages (below left) – a lead chariot and the emperor’s enclosed chariot – are unique in Chinese art. Discovered in 1979 (below right), they were found crushed into 3,000 pieces, and restored over the following nine years. The details of the lead chariot (bottom) are astounding: the reins, the miniature crossbow, the quiver, the moving wheels, the removable parasol.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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JEWELS IN THE CROWN: TWO EXQUISITE BRONZE CARRIAGES

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JEWELS IN THE CROWN: TWO EXQUISITE BRONZE CARRIAGES

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In close-up, the harnessing can be seen in all its intricacy. The horses were painted white, the colour of the west, suggesting that this was the direction in which the emperor would travel on an inspection tour.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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Ma works on the badly corroded feathers of a swan.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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Below left: Stone scales cover the pit floor like discarded snakeskins.

Below right: Tony tries on a replica helmet made of resin.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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Before being fired, kneeling archers dry out in a shed, sheltered from the sun and wind.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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From another newly discovered pit came this and several other figures completely different in style from the warriors. They have been termed ‘acrobats’, but no one knows who they are or what they did. This well-muscled giant – he would measure about 6 feet 5 inches (1.95 meters) if he had his head – looks most unacrobatic, more like a wrestler or professional strong-man. Excavations continue.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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A full range of reproductions at the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Factory.

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A cave-house in the deep soil shows how Qin technicians would have made their kilns. Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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THE REPRODUCTIONS: AN ANCIENT SKILL REVIVED

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THE REPRODUCTIONS: AN ANCIENT SKILL REVIVED

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Making replicas of the warriors is big business. The major player is Wang Lianyuan, who runs a factory a few kilometers north of the museum, making full-size figures by the hundred and smaller ones by the thousand every year. The methods – mass-production using moulds – are similar to those used by the First Emperor’s artists. The numbers that he and his 20 workers produce suggest that the First Emperor could have had many more terracotta warriors than the estimated 8,000 found so far.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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Top: Wang’s workers bake their figures in his rough-and-ready brick kilns.

Below: Sculptors don’t need many tools. These are all that Wang needs to finish his warriors, or make new figures from which moulds can be taken for mass production.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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This cut-away diagram shows the tomb’s underground palace, based on the scanty evidence now available. Stepped 30-metre walls with two entrances east and west. The only answer so far is in Sima Qian’s account: a coffin, rivers of mercury, treasures untold. The diagram includes the inner and outer walls of the site, but omits the other buildings. Nor does it show a roof, which would have been needed to hold the earth that topped

the pyramid.

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Source: Man, John. The Terra Cotta Army. Da Capo Press, 5 Mar. 2009.

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THE YOUNG GUARD, THE OLD WARRIORS AND THE NEW RECRUIT

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THE YOUNG GUARD, THE OLD WARRIORS AND THE NEW RECRUIT

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A few minutes after joining the warriors, German performance artist Pablo Wendel remains rigid in his role as a statue while a guard checks that he is not made of clay. Wendel, an admirer of the Army, took three months to prepare for his performance, which was inspired by the idea of modern guards guarding ancient guards. The old guards were unmoved. The modern ones carried him off (still rigid), confiscated his uniform and sent him on his way