Terracotta history

The Terracotta Army is the buried army of Qin Shi Huang, an ancient Chinese emperor. These ancient sculptures were built and buried over two thousand years ago near the city of Xi'an. They were discovered in by farmers digging a well looking for underground water.

Terracotta warriors biography for kids video Since the discovery of the Terra Cotta Warriors, teams of scientists have worked together to study, excavate, conserve and preserve these unique figures. Get caught up! Here are 10 amazing facts about the Terra Cotta Warriors Didn't get enough of the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit when it was here? Visit the National Geographic Treasures of the Earth exhibit and explore the discovery of the warriors firsthand through our recreation of this ancient mystery.

Over a thousand terracotta warriors and horses have been uncovered since then. At least 6, more are thought to remain buried still.

According to the Chinese historian Sima Qian, Qin Shi Huang ordered this army to be built long before he became the first Emperor of all China in BC. Work started when he was King of Qin in BC. They were constructed to protect him in the afterlife.

He died in BC. Over , workers were needed to build the underground city where he was buried. It is thought to be filled with riches and decorated beautifully. The Chinese government has no plans to uncover the underground palace.

Each terracotta warrior is made of clay.

Terracotta warriors biography for kids Can you imagine digging a well on your land one day, seeking a source of fresh water to water your crops, and discovering instead a life-sized terracotta soldier made completely out of clay? At first, the farmer and the other men from his tiny village thought it was an old buried kiln they could use to cook bricks. They were very careful as they tried to dig it out because they hoped the villagers could use it. The villagers realized they had found something amazing when they uncovered a life-sized human face made of clay looking up at them. An archaeologist was called in to take a look.

They are around 2 meters tall, with commanders in the army being the tallest. The sculptures are so detailed that it is possible to guess the age, rank and personality of each one. None of the soldiers are the same. Some carry weapons such as daggers, bows and arrows, swords, spears or axes.

Assembly line

The terracotta army figures were made in workshops.

The head, arms, legs and torsos were created separately and then assembled.

Online biography for kids These ancient sculptures were built and buried over two thousand years ago near the city of Xi'an. They were discovered in by farmers digging a well looking for underground water. Over a thousand terracotta warriors and horses have been uncovered since then. At least 6, more are thought to remain buried still. Work started when he was King of Qin in BC.

Studies show that eight face moulds were most likely used, and then clay was added to provide individual facial features. Once put together, features such as facial expressions were added.

It is thought their legs were made the same way that terracotta drainage pipes were made at the time. This would make it an assembly line production, with specific parts manufactured and assembled after being fired, as opposed to crafting one solid piece and subsequently firing it.

In those times, each workshop had to write its name on items produced. Once they were completed, the terracotta figures were placed in the pits in precise military formation according to rank and duty.

Images for kids

See also

In Spanish: Guerreros de terracota para niños