Terracotta Army
I happened to mention yesterday the Terracotta Army exhibition currently on view at the World Museum in nearby Liverpool. We went there on Sunday just gone and it was a fascinating event to visit. I must admit I didn’t know a great deal about the Terracotta Army before Sunday. However, after an hour and a half or so, the incredible finds discovered in 1974 made a great impression. Just in case you haven’t heard of the Terracotta Army….
Terracotta Army
Terracotta Army-Liverpool
The Terracotta Army is a fascinating collection of terracotta sculptures detailing the armies of Qin Shi Huang. Qin Shi Huang was the first Emperor of China. The purpose of the artefacts buried with the emperor in 210–209 BC was to protect the emperor in his afterlife.
The terracotta figures date from roughly the late third century BC. Remarkably they remained undiscovered until 1974. It was in 1974 local farmers in Lintong District, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China, Shaanxi Province made the incredible discovery. According to their roles, the figures vary in height, with the tallest being the generals. The figures discovered include warriors, horses and chariots.
In 2007 it was estimated that the three pits containing the Terracotta Army held more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses. Other terracotta non-military figures were also found in other pits. Figures such as acrobats, strongmen and musicians were just some of the other figures found.
Work on the mausoleum began in 246 BC soon after Emperor Qin (then aged 13) ascended the throne. It was estimated that the project eventually involved 700,000 workers. Historian Sima Qian wrote that the First Emperor was buried with palaces, towers, officials, valuable artefacts and other objects.
For a more complete description of the history of the amazing Terracotta Army, read this link HERE.
Some Photographs From The Exhibition
I’m no expert so the photographs I took were not in any particular order.
As you enter the exhibition….
China’s First Emperor and the Terracotta Army
A brief history on China’s First Emperor and the Terracotta Army….
Terracotta Army-A Brief History
Stone Chimes
Set of Stone Chimes
A set of stone chimes were suspended on a rack by strings and struck with a mallet. The use of stone chimes was regulated by social rank. Played in combination with bronze bells, they produced a solemn and harmonious sound to show respect to the ancestors.
What was the purpose of the site anyway? See below for more details…..
The First Emperor’s Burial Site
Isn’t it incredible, the thought, the engineering and the execution to develop such a site must have taken. Even more remarkable is that the First Emperor was only 13 years of age when he ascended to the throne. I didn’t realise the Chinese believed so heavily in the afterlife. Also, the respect and the importance they placed on animals comes across very strongly.
Animal Symbolism In Ancient China
What of the Terracotta Army themselves? Here’s a photo of the various warriors found in the burial site….
Terracotta Warriors
If you think about the work that went into recreating all those figures as well as constructing the burial site itself. Without a doubt it is an incredible achievement.
Although I have many more photographs I think you get the drift. In other words, if you have a spare afternoon or a spare day at the weekend, why not pop along and have a look at this incredible piece of history.
Where Is It?
World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool. Best station to get off at is Lime Street. World Museum is about 5 minutes walk from the station.
How Long Is The Exhibition Here For And How Much To Get In?
Probably best if you take a look at the link HERE for all the details you need.
Other Things To Do In Liverpool
A trip around Liverpool One and also why not a bite to eat on The Terrace. More details HERE.
More About Chester and Chester Lifestyle
If you are looking for more information on the beautiful city of Chester and Chester Lifestyle – click HERE.
