The Terracotta Army

Lore & Background

Geographer Li Daoyuan, writing six centuries after the first emperor's death, recorded that Mount Li was a favoured location due to its auspicious geology: 'famed for its jade mines, its northern side was rich in gold, and its southern side rich in beautiful jade; the first emperor, covetous of its fine reputation, therefore chose to be buried there'.

Reader's Guide

The Terracotta Army is part of a much larger necropolis measuring approximately 98 square kilometres, constructed as a microcosm of the emperor's imperial palace. The warriors stand guard to the east of the tomb, laid out as if to protect the tomb from the east, where the Qin Emperor's conquered states lay. The figures are life-sized, varying in height, uniform, and hairstyle according to rank, and their faces appear to be different for each individual figure. Originally painted with ground precious stones and pigments, the painted surface began to flake and fade after excavation. The tomb itself remains unopened, possibly due to concerns over preservation. The discovery prompted Chinese archaeologists to investigate, revealing the largest pottery figurine group ever found, and a museum complex has since been constructed over the area.

Did You Know?

• The figures vary in height according to rank, with the tallest being the generals.
• High levels of mercury detected in the soil of the tomb mound have given credence to Sima Qian's account of simulated flowing rivers using mercury.

Common Misconceptions (Editorial)

- Some believe the Terracotta Army figures are all the same height, but the facts show they vary by rank, with generals being the tallest. - It is often assumed the mercury used in the tomb is a myth, but modern soil tests have detected high levels of mercury, supporting historical accounts of simulated rivers.

Why It Matters (Editorial)

The Terracotta Army endures as a testament to the ambition and belief systems of ancient China, where an emperor prepared not just for life but for an eternal afterlife. Its scale and the collaborative effort required to create such a personalized afterlife army continue to inspire awe, reminding us how deeply human concerns about legacy and the unknown can shape the material world.