The Terracotta army

The Terracotta army

The Terracotta Army of Xi'an has been an archaeological treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The discovery has revealed a fundamental aspect of the culture and history of ancient China. It is one of the sites of universal value selected by UNESCO for their cultural and historical importance.

Legends and Mysticism - It is said that the workers who built the mausoleum were killed to keep the details of the site secret. - The arrangement of the statues simulated an army ready to defend the emperor in the afterlife. - The discovery has spawned several theories and legends about the construction and fate of Qin Shi Huang.

History of the Terracotta Army -Discovered in 1974 by local farmers near Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. -Created during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (221-210 BC), the first emperor of a unified China. -The emperor ordered the construction of a terracotta army to protect him in the afterlife, reflecting the religious beliefs of the time.

The Terracotta Army

Technique of Creation- The statues were made of clay and constructed in several pieces, then assembled. -Incredible details such as hairstyles, shoes, armor and weapons were sculpted with great precision. -The statues were painted, but much of the original paint has faded due to exposure to air. Some color strokes remain visible, showing the vibrancy of the original painting.

.Composition of the Army - More than 8,000 statues of soldiers, horses, chariots and officers, each unique with distinctive features. - The statues are arranged in military formations with soldiers, cavalry, chariots and officers, representing the structure of the army of the time. - Artisans, servants and musicians were also found, reflecting daily life and military culture

The Terracotta Army

- The Terracotta Army is a symbol of the grandeur of the Qin Empire and the vision of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, whose influence has shaped the history of China. -The discovery has enriched our cultural heritage, providing a glimpse into the history and beliefs of ancient China. Thanks to the protection of UNESCO, the site remains one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological wonders, continuing to attract visitors from all over the globe.

Conservation and Visiting - The site is housed in a large museum that includes three main pits. - Pit 1: The largest, with soldiers and chariots. - Pit 2: Contains cavalry, archers and officers. - Pit 3: Has a selection of officers and commanders. -The site is protected to preserve the heritage and to continue to educate future generations about ancient China.

The Terracotta Army