Qin Shi Huang, the inaugural ruler of China, constructed an immense Terracotta Army with the purpose of safeguarding him in the afterlife.
Located in Xi’an, this colossal complex resembled a city and was equipped with all the necessities the emperor would need in his journey beyond. Similar to the ancient Egyptians, the ancient Chinese held the belief that possessions buried with them would accompany them in the afterlife.
However, instead of interring actual individuals alongside him, the emperor opted for clay replicas of warriors, servants, horses, and various objects.
This remarkable achievement not only showcased the prowess of design but also revealed several ancient Chinese inventions, some of which were thought to have originated as far back as the Qin dynasty.
Despite dedicating over four decades to excavation efforts, archaeologists have barely scratched the surface of this astonishing wonder from antiquity.
A rough estimate indicates that approximately 2,000 soldiers have been unearthed so far, with an estimated 6,000 still concealed beneath the earth. The focal point of the tomb, the resting place of the Emperor, might remain untouched due to the presence of hazardous materials in its vicinity.
Remarkably, even after more than two millennia, the renowned Terracotta Army continues to shield its Emperor from the avaricious grasp of the living.
The Statues Were Built By 700,000 Laborers, Some Of Whom Died In The Process.
Upon ascending to the throne of the Qin State in 246 BCE, Emperor Qin Shi Huang commissioned the construction of the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army.
This remarkable project demanded the relentless dedication of over 700,000 laborers who toiled day and night for a remarkable 40-year period to complete the soldiers and the magnificent tomb.
These skilled workers meticulously shaped and molded the legs, arms, torsos, and heads of the terracotta warriors, expertly assembling them into a grand spectacle.
Tragically, the arduous undertaking came at a significant cost, as many laborers and artisans lost their lives during the construction process.
Some unfortunate souls may have even met their demise, executed to safeguard the location of the tomb and its precious treasures.
The monumental task reached its conclusion in 206 BC, a full four years after Emperor Qin’s passing.
The Craftsmen Gave Same Level Of Attention To The Terracotta Horses.
Evidence from the Qin Dynasty suggests that saddles were in use during that time, much earlier than previously believed by scholars.
The army’s horses were equipped with these saddles, reflecting the significance of cavalry and war chariots in ancient military forces.
The thing which was remarkable was that the unearthed horse figurines accurately depict well-fed horses with erect ears, wide-open eyes, and open mouths, resembling the characteristics of modern-day Hegu horses in Gansu, or possibly Heitian horses from Xinjiang, as suggested by some experts.
These animals are known for their excellent hill-climbing and racing abilities, showcasing their remarkable strength.
No Two Terracotta Soldiers Looked Alike.
It’s truly astonishing that all 8,000 statues are distinct and possess their own individuality. A close examination reveals the meticulous attention to detail bestowed by the skilled craftsmen to set each soldier apart.
Despite using only around eight different molds for the laborers, they ingeniously incorporated unique facial features into every warrior using clay.
The soldiers not only vary based on their ranks, such as infantry, archers, generals, and cavalry, but each one also showcases distinctive facial expressions, clothing styles, and hairstyles.
Additionally, their heights differ, with the taller figures signifying the rank of generals. Most of the statues stand at 5 feet, 11 inches tall, though some impressive ones reach as high as 6 feet, 7 inches.
No One Knew About The Terracotta Army For More Than 2000 Years.
The Terracotta Army lay dormant beneath the earth’s surface for more than two millennia, shrouded in obscurity until an extraordinary discovery in 1974.
During a routine well-digging operation in Xi’an, a band of farmers stumbled upon this hidden marvel.
The Chinese government initiated a thorough investigation of the site, revealing a treasure trove that would later be celebrated as one of the nation’s most significant archaeological wonders.
Weapons Of The Terracotta Army Was As Well Preserved
During the excavation of pits, archaeologists made a remarkable find of approximately 40,000 bronze weapons, including battle axes, crossbows, arrowheads, and spears.
Astonishingly, these weapons had been buried underground for more than 2,000 years, yet they emerged in impeccable condition, entirely free from rust.
This exceptional preservation can be attributed to a protective chrome plating, a technique believed to have been first pioneered by the Germans in 1937.
All The Statues Were Originally Painted.
Today’s tourists will not witness the Terracotta Army in its pristine state. Originally, these statues were meticulously crafted and adorned with vibrant colors through skilled painting.
However, the passage of time, along with centuries of burial underground, caused most of the statues to lose their once-brilliant hues.
When archeologists conducted excavations, the dry air played a significant role in deteriorating the paint, causing it to flake off the statues.
The lacquer hidden beneath the paint would quickly curl and disintegrate in the exposed air, resulting in the layers peeling off within minutes.
Fortunately, a remedy was devised by scientists in the form of a solution known as PEG. This remarkable substance is promptly applied to any statue the moment it is unearthed, safeguarding it from further damage and ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
The Emperor’s Tomb Is Believed To Be Surrounded By Mercury.
Although it is now recognized as one of the most poisonous substances on Earth, mercury was once regarded as the elixir of life by the ancient Chinese.
Emperor Qin, driven by his pursuit of immortality, consumed mercury pills regularly, which likely played a role in his demise at the age of 50.
This belief in mercury’s life-prolonging properties also raises the possibility that his tomb, which remains unexplored, could be surrounded by rivers of this toxic substance.
Only One Percent Of Tomb Is Discovered Until Now.
Despite the discovery of the Terracotta Army more than four decades ago, only a mere one percent of the emperor’s tomb has been unearthed.
Initially, archaeologists expressed concern that excavation might lead to damage to the emperor’s corpse and the precious artifacts within the tomb.
However, the primary and more pressing worry revolves around safety. According to legend, the Emperor had allegedly instructed laborers to create rivers of mercury within the tomb in his pursuit of immortality.
Tests conducted on the burial site revealed elevated levels of mercury, making it a challenging task for archaeologists to determine the safest approach for excavation, or if it is even feasible at all.
The Reason Behind The Terracotta Army Was Fear.
In the era of Emperor Qin’s rule, he achieved not only triumph over the armies of six Chinese states but also resorted to brutal massacres.
This left him with a haunting fear that the vengeful military forces of these defeated states might pursue him even in the afterlife.
To safeguard himself, he commissioned the creation of the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army. Remarkably, the statues in the Terracotta Army are positioned to face eastward, strategically aligning with the direction from which potential enemies might approach the underground mausoleum to launch an attack.
