Topic Overview
This video explores the Terracotta Army, an underground army of over 8000 life-size clay soldiers discovered in 1974 near the tomb of Qin Shihuangdi, the first Emperor of China. The army was built to accompany the emperor into the afterlife and continue his rule.
Emperor Qin, who unified China and implemented significant reforms, was obsessed with immortality. He commissioned the construction of a massive necropolis, including the Terracotta Army, filled with monuments, artifacts, and an army. The army is arranged in precise battle formation and includes soldiers, chariots, horses, musicians, acrobats, and officials.
The terracotta figures were crafted by artisans who molded each body part separately, resulting in unique and individualized statues. Originally painted in bright colors, the paint has largely faded. The actual tomb of Emperor Qin remains sealed to prevent damage to its treasures, including palaces, precious stones, and rivers of mercury.
The practice of providing company for the deceased was common in various ancient cultures, including Egypt, Japan, and parts of Mexico. Emperor Qin chose to have figures built rather than sacrificing living beings. Today, the Terracotta Army is a major tourist destination.