2. Discovery
Terracotta warriors were
discovered in the spring of
1974 in the eastern suburbs
of Xi’an province by a group
of farmers who were digging
a water well 1.5 miles east of
Mount Li.
3. History
The terracotta army was guarding the tomb of
the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang , who
lived over 2200 years ago. He was famous for
unifying the warring states into what is now
China, and for becoming the country's first
emperor. He is remembered for rebuilding the
Great Wall of China, and the strong fear of death
and cruel immortality. This craze for life and the
fear of death finally gave us the legacy of the
terracotta warriors.
4. Purpose
In 221 BC during the Qing Dynasty, Qin Shi
Huang was the Emperor at that time. The
Terra Cotta Army was built as a way of
creating a picture of strength and
manpower. It was believed that as enemies
came to attack Qin Shi Huang’s grave, they
would be defeated by the powerful army
supporting Emperor Qin and turn away. All
in all, the main purpose of the Terra Cotta
Warriors was to protect Qin Shi Huang from
enemies’ attack.
5. Appearance
The head, arms, legs and bodies were
created part by part and then put together.
Studies show that eight face models were
most likely used, and then clay was added to
make each facial expression so that each
warrior’s facial appearance looked
differently. It is believed that their legs were
made in much the same way to make it a line
production,The terracotta figures are life-
sized. They vary in height, uniform and
hairstyle in different levels. The coloured
lacquer finish, individual facial features, and
weapons and armor from battle used in
making these figures created a realistic
appearance. The original weapons were
stolen by robbers.
6. Opinion
You must see them when you are in Xian.
They are world famous. And the soldiers
really have different facial expressions. You
can just tell they were individually made by
artists. And there were so many of them. It
was just really impressive. And of course the
history of the First Emporer is well known by
Chinese, even though he was a "bad" ruler, he
had such influences in history that we must
be respected. Especially after they found all
these terra cotta soldiers who were made to
be buried with him, to guard him. We have an
incredible treasure for all to enjoy. The
terracotta warriors are really great and
significant.
