The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and provides a unique insight into the life, beliefs, and military organization of the Qin Dynasty.
The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well near the city of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China. The site was subsequently recognized as part of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.
The construction of the Terracotta Army began in 246 BCE when Qin Shi Huang ascended the throne at the age of 13, and it continued for 36 years until his death in 210 BCE. The figures, which vary in height from 1.8m to 2m, were made by craftsmen using local clay, with each figure having unique facial features, attire, and hairstyles, indicating the high level of artistry involved.
The Terracotta Army was created to protect the emperor in his afterlife, reflecting the Chinese belief in the afterlife and the need for protection in the next world. This army was part of a much larger complex designed to replicate the emperor's entire palace and court, buried beneath a large mound shaped like a pyramid.
The site of the Terracotta Army is now a major tourist attraction and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Efforts are ongoing to preserve the figures from further deterioration and to excavate more of the site, as it is estimated that only a small fraction has been uncovered so far.
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