Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Terracotta Warriors


The Qin Emperor needed company in his tomb. He wants an army even in the after-life!

13 comments:

  1. The Terracotta Warriors were discovered by some local farmers near Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China near the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor in 1974. The warriors vary in height, 183-195cm. Archeologists estimated that there are over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses which are still buried in the three pits. Archeologists had found 4 pits and they believe that there are still many pits to be discovered. The warriors were made to help Qin Shi Huang rule another empire in the afterlife. The construction began when Qin Shi Huang was 13 and he specifically stated that no two soldiers were to be made alike. The warriors’ figures were manufactured in workshops and by local craftsmen. The head, arms, legs and torsos were created separately and then assembled. It is believed that their legs were made in much the same way that terracotta drainage pipes were manufactured at the time. The terracotta figures are life-like and life-sized. They vary in height, uniform and hairstyle in accordance with rank. It reveals the power the First Emperor possessed, enabling him to command such a monumental undertaking.Qin Shi Huang’s necropolis complex was constructed to serve as a palace. It comprises several offices, halls and other structures and is surrounded by a wall with gateway entrances. It was also said as a legend that the warriors were real soldiers, buried with Emperor Qin so that they could defend him from any dangers in the next life.


    Name: Bess Tay Qiwen ( 3 )
    Class: 2C1

    ReplyDelete
  2. The terracotta warriors were built by men under the order of Qin ShiHuang A.K.A YingZheng Legend has it that each and every terracotta warrior has a different face which proves that they may have been sculpted according the the faces of the soliders of that time.There is estimated 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses.The terracotta soliders were accidentally discovered at Xian,china by local farmers.Then,further excavation was carried out and they discovered two more pits also filled with terracotta soliders were soon found.Each terracotta warrior is estimated to weigh about 300kg and stand up to 2 meters tall.The terracotta warriors vary,including crossbowmen, a charioteer, an officer and a general. The mausoleum measured 2100 x 975 meters and the heart of the precinct was the 500x500 meter tomb built for Qin ShiHuang.Many parts of the terracotta soliders were stolen by people for sale.The tomb is filled with models of palaces offices and even pavilions and also fine vessels percious stones and rare items could be found in the tomb.

    Hansonghan 2c1

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum in Lintong, Xian, Shaanxi Province The Terracotta Warriors was accidentally discovered in 1974 in the eastern suburbs of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province by local farmers. The warriors vary in height, from 183cm to 195cm. Archeologists estimated that there are over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses which are still buried in the three pits. Many archeologists believe that there are many pits still waiting to be discovered. This discovery prompted archaeologists to go to Shaanxi Province, China to investigate. The Terracotta Army is a form of funerary art buried with the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. He declared himself the first emperor of China in 221 BCE. The Terracotta Warrior’s purpose was to help rule another empire with Qin Shi Huang in his afterlife. Consequently, they are also sometimes referred to as "Qin's Armies." Qin Shi Huang was 13 when construction for his mausoleum began. It took 11 years to finish. There were no two soldiers alike, thus, they may have been sculpted according the faces of real soldiers then.

    Sheila Oh
    2C1

    ReplyDelete
  4. The terracotta army figures were made in workshops, and were sculpted by government laborers and local craftsmen. Their heads, arms, legs and bodies were made separately, and then put together. Studies show that eight face moulds were most likely used. Clay was added to the face, to provide the facial features. Once put together, details such as facial expressions were added. It is believed that the terracotta army’s legs were made in almost the same way as terracotta drainage pipes were. This would make it an assembly line production, with various parts made and put together after being fired, in contrast to crafting one terracotta soldier and then firing it.

    In those days, each workshop was required to inscribe its name on items to ensure quality control. This has helped modern historians in verifying that workshops which once made tiles and other mundane items were ordered to work on the terracotta warriors. After completed, these warriors were placed in the pits in precise military formation according to rank and duty.

    The terracotta soldiers were life-like and life-sized. They vary in height, uniform and hairstyle in accordance to their rank. The coloured lacquer finish, individual facial features, and actual weapons and armor from battle used in making these soldiers created a life-looking appearance. The original weapons were stolen by warriors shortly after their creation and the colouring has faded a lot. However, their existence serves as proof of the amount of labor and skill involved in their construction. Also, they reveal the power Qin Shi Huang possessed, allowing him to command such a monumental undertaking.

    Goh Hui Ting
    2C1

    ReplyDelete
  5. The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 in the eastern suburbs of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province by local farmers drilling a water well 1.5 miles east of Lishan, after being buried for more than 2000 years. The first part of the Terracotta Army site to be discovered was named Vault One. In 1976, two other vaults that were uncovered 20-25 meters from Vault One were named Vault Two and Vault Three. The Terracotta Army is a form of funerary art buried with the First Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Made King of the state of Qin at the age of thirteen, by the time he was thirty-eight he conquered the six neighboring states to unify China for the first time in history. 700,000 forced laborers were then sacrificed to build his tomb which was begun soon after he ascended the throne. The terracotta figures are life-like and life-sized. They vary in uniform, height and hairstyle, according to their rank. Each of the hollow statues was constructed upon solid legs to solve the vexing problem of how to make a free-standing statue. Hollow heads, arms and legs, made of coiled earth, were attached together with strips of clay and set upon the solid legs. After this rough model was assembled, a fine clay slip was added, and details such as eyes, mouth and details of dress were carved into the clay. Additional pieces such as ears and armour were modeled separately and attached, after which the whole figure was fired at a high temperature. Their purpose was to help rule another empire with Shi Huang Di in the afterlife. Therefore, they are often referred to as "Qin's Armies." It was also said as a legend that the terracotta warriors were real soldiers, buried with Emperor Qin so that they could defend him from any dangers in the next life.

    Tan Jin Ting(29) 2C1

    ReplyDelete
  6. The Terracotta Army is the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shi Huang the First Emperor of China. The terracotta figures, dating from 210 BC, were discovered in 1974 by some local farmers near Xi'an, Shaanxiprovince. The figures vary in height (183–195 cm), according to their role, the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. There were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pits. Many archeologists believe that there are many pits still waiting to be discovered.

    They are also sometimes referred to as "Qin's Armies."

    He had started the construction at a young age as he wanted each face to be unique.
    The terracotta army figures were manufactured both in workshops by government laborers and also by local craftsmen. The head, arms, legs and torsos were created separately and then assembled. Once assembled, intricate features such as facial expressions were added.

    The colored lacquer finish, individual facial features, and actual weapons and armor from battle used in manufacturing these figures created a realistic appearance. The original weapons were stolen by robbers shortly after the creation of the army and the coloring has faded greatly. However, their existence serves as a testament to the amount of labor and skill involved in their construction. It also reveals the power the First Emperor possessed, enabling him to command such a monumental undertaking.

    melody tay(30)
    2C1

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Terracotta Army is the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shi Huang the First Emperor of China. The terracotta figures, dating from 210 BC, were discovered in 1974 by some local farmers near Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China near the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. Current estimates are that in the three pits containing the Terracotta Army there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pits.The material to make the terracotta warriors originated on Mount Lishan. In addition to the warriors, an entire man-made necropolis for the emperor has been excavated.According to historian Sima Qian (145-90 BC), construction of this mausoleum began in 246 BC and involved 700,000 workers. Qin Shi Huang was 13 when construction began. He specifically stated that no two soldiers were to be made alike, which is most likely why he had construction started at that young age.ecent scientific work at the site has shown high levels of mercury in the soil on and around Mount Lishan, appearing to add credence to Sima Qian's writings. The tomb of Shi Huang Di is under an earthen pyramid 76 meters tall and nearly 350 square meters. The tomb remains unopened, in the hope that it will remain intact.Qin Shi Huang’s necropolis complex was constructed to serve as an imperial compound or palace. It comprises several offices, halls and other structures and is surrounded by a wall with gateway entrances. It was also said as a legend that the terracotta warriors were real soldiers, buried with Emperor Qin so that they could defend him from any dangers in the next life.

    Eugene Tan(8)
    2C1

    ReplyDelete
  8. The Terracotta Army is composed of the Terra Cotta Warrior and horses. They are of Qin Shi Wang, first emperor of China. The Terracotta Army started construction ever since Qin Shi Wang was 13. They are buried at the front of his tomb to defend him in his afterlife. The first site was excavated in 1974 by local farmers in a Shaanxi Province, the warriors vary in height from about 183cm to 195cm.

    Archeologists estimate that there are over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses which are still buried in the three pits, and many archeologists believe that there are many more pits to be found. The amazing thing about this army is that no one face or body is shaped and sculpted the same.

    Terra Cotta is actually a material. A material used also by the Greeks and Romans in ancient times. It is a type of baked clay and is hard and durable. It is widely used to make flowerpots, fountains, tiles, and special ornaments and decorative garden sculptures. It can be molded easily and it has various colors and is usually unglazed. The ancient Greeks and Romans also used the material Terra Cotta to build pipes, gutters, and other construction materials.

    Many parts of the Terra Cotta warriors were stolen by robbers and sold of to other people in a black market and archeologists are still on the search to discover new pits and ancient tombs.


    ///
    Justin Chua
    2c1
    (39)
    The most awesome student a teacher can have.(:

    ReplyDelete
  9. The Terracota Warriors were buried in the tomb with the First Emperor of China, QinShiHuang. They were to defend him even after his death. The Terracota Army were found by the local farmer at Xi’an in 1974. The Terracota Army were a form of funerary art buried in the tomb with QinShiHuang. The Terracota Army is also known as Qin’s Armies. The material used to make the Terracota Warriors came from Mount Lishan.

    The beginning of the making of the Terracota Warriors were in 246BC and it involved 700,000 workers. When QinShiHuang was 13 years old the making of the Terracota Warriors started. He specify that all the Terracota Warriors can’t be alike, they must look different.

    The Terracota Warriors were manufactured by government labors and local craftsman. The head, arms, leg and torsos were made separately and then put together. The Terracota Warriors are life-like and life-size. They are made according to their height, uniform and hairstyle. They each have individual faces, actual weapons and armors that were used during that time.

    The making of the Terracota Warriors also reveal the power that QinShiHuang possessed.
    The original weapons were stolen by robbers shortly and the colours of the Terracota Warriors are fading off slowly. However that existence of the Terracota Warriors have proven a testament to the amount of labor and skill involved in their construction.

    QingYi (12)
    2c1

    ReplyDelete
  10. The Terracotta Army is an army of soldiers, chariots, horses, officials and the like as funerary statues buried with Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China. It was intended for them to help with the ruling of another empire with Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. The Army, which took 38 years to complete, consists of over eight thousand soldiers alone, many others of which are still buried in the pits. The pottery was discovered in 1974 by some local farmers near Xi’an, Shaanxi province, when they were digging for a well near the royal tomb. According to historian Sima Qian, construction of the mausoleum began in 246BC, when Qin Shi Huang was thirteen and it involved 720,000 workers. Qin Shi Huang had wanted all of the soldiers to be different and much time was needed for that. The terracotta army figures were made in workshops by government workers and also by local craftsmen. Upon completion, the life-size figures were placed in the pits in strict accordance with the ancient directives on the Art of War, and according to rank and duty. They vary in height according to their role, the tallest being the generals. The material used to make the terracotta warriors originated on Mount Lishan. The terracotta army is a sensational archaeological find, which has put Xi’an on the map for tourists. It is one of the world’s cultural heritages, and the excavation was regarded as one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century. The Army has a history of about 2200 years, and so far, 1868 terracotta warriors and chariots have been unearthed. In addition to the warriors, an entire man-made necropolis for the Emperor has been excavated. To me, the Terracotta Army is a truly magnificent specimen of fine art.
    [296 words]
    Ang Si Jia [01] 2C1
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terracotta_Army
    http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/shaanxi/xian/terra_cotta_army/
    http://www.chinahighlights.com/xian/terracotta-army/
    http://www.chinahighlights.com/xian/terracotta-army/terra-cotta-warriors-facts.htm

    ReplyDelete
  11. The Terracotta Army was found in 1974 in the eastern suburbs of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province by some local farmers who were drilling a water well 1.5 miles east of Mt.Lishan. Archaeologists went there to investigate and found that the Terracotta Army was a form of funerary art, which was buried with the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Their purpose was supposed to be helping to rule another empire with Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.
    The material used to make the terracotta warriors came from Mt.Lishan. According to historian Sima Qian, the construction of this terracotta tomb began in year 246 BC and it consisted of 700,000 workers. Qin Shi Huang was only 13 when the construction began.
    The tomb of Qin Shi Huang is under an earthen pyramid 76 meters tall and nearly 350 square meters. The terracotta warriors are about 177.7cm in height. The face features and hairstyles of the warriors were different and resemble modern Chinese man. They also have a single eyelid, which accurately represents the features of the eyes of the Qin people. Actual weapons were also used to make them seem more realistic! However, robbers stole the weapons and the paint on the warriors faded, causing them to look dull and faded.
    I can only say that the terracotta army would look better in colour, with weapons.... and with their heads on.

    Tan Di Kee (29) 2C1

    ReplyDelete
  12. They were built to protect emperor Qin Shi Huang and to show his importance and loyalty after his death. Archaeologists figure Qin Shi HUang's tomb is protected with traps so trespassers will be terrified and nobody will disturb his tomb. Below is the pyramid that 700000 workers built and took about 38 years to complete.

    Out of the 7000 soldiers, no 2 are alike at all. They all have different facial expressions and are all in different poses. Each terracotta solder are life sized and are about 5-6 feet tall. The faces and bodies were portraits of real soldiers. Each soldier had a weapon, but they were taken away. There are no female soldiers because no females were allowed in the Chinese army.

    Ng Yi Yang (22)2C1

    http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/xian/terracotta.htm

    ReplyDelete
  13. The terracotta army is the terracotta warriors and horses of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. They were discovered by some local farmers near Xi'an, Shaanxi province in 1974. They date from 210BC. The terracotta figures vary in height from 183-195cm according to their roles, generals being the tallest. Warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen and musicians are included in the terracotta figures. The terracotta army figures were created in workshops by local craftsmen and government laborers. The heads, arms, legs and torsos of the terracotta warriors were made separately and then assembled together. It is shown by studies that eight face moulds were most likely used. INdividual facial features were provided by adding clay to the face. Intricate features such as facial expressions were added once they were assembled. Their legs are believed to be made in the same way terracotta drainage pipes were made at that time. This would make an assembly line production, with specific parts manufactured and assembled after being fired, as opposed to crafting one solid piece of terracotta and subsequently firing it. In those days, each workshop had to inscribe its name on items to make sure there was quality control. This has helped mdoern historians to verify that workshops that once made tiles and other mundane items were commandeered to work on the terracotta army. The terracotta figures are life-like and life-sized. In accordance with rank, they vary in height, uniform and hairstyle. Their existence also serves as a testament to the amount of labor and skill involved in their construction. It also reveals the power the First Emperor possessed, enabling him to command such a monumental undertaking.

    278 words
    Clarissa (7) 2C1

    ReplyDelete