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More than 2,000 years ago, Emperor Qin Shi Huang rode forth with vast armies and conquered the immense territories surrounding his Qin state. This unification of the “Warring States” gave rise to the formation of China, a union that stands strong to this day. In 1974, farmers digging a well were startled to discover an intact terra cotta head. From there, archaeologists began to unearth an astonishing scene – a cavernous vault containing an entire army of warriors meant to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang as he made his journey into the afterlife. More than 1,000 life-sized terra cotta figures, complete with armor, chariots and horses were found standing in imposing, battle-ready formation. Later excavations revealed servants, musicians, acrobats and animals.
An estimated 7,000 figures are yet to be exhumed from the dusty depths of this sprawling tomb complex. “Since their discovery, the Terra Cotta Warriors have captured the world’s imagination because they give us a fascinating glimpse into the life of China’s first emperor, a man who created multiple historical marvels that endure to the present day,” says Joel A. Bartsch, president of The Houston Museum of Natural Science. “We’re eager to present the magnificent achievements of this ancient Chinese culture when this unprecedented exhibition comes to Houston.” Created as protectors of the tomb of China’s First Emperor – Qin Shi Huang – the Terra Cotta Warriors portray how actual Chinese armies looked around the time of the emperor’s death in 210 BCE.
Click play to see footage from the warriors’ discovery site in Xi’an, China and an interview with exhibition curator Dirk Van Tuerenhout.
At the time of the warriors’ creation, it was thought that a person’s spirit should be treated just as his mortal body, and it was customary to be buried with everyday objects that could be used in death. Before Huang’s death, he arranged for the giant mausoleum to be built to house remains, where the Terra Cotta Army was to be included to guard him in the afterlife. The Terra Cotta Warriors are life-like, life-size, man-made clay figures, created in what is believed to have been an assembly-line process. The exhibit will include a selection of 14 of these warriors, including generals, infantrymen, officers, and servants, as well as a cavalry horse and chariot driver. Visitors will learn about the Emperor and see artifacts from his vast necropolis, including a suit of armor, exquisite pendants, ritual objects and even models of facilities of the Qin Dynasty.
Marvel at more than 100 objects, the largest display of terra cotta figures and tomb artifacts ever to travel to the U.S. At long last, the time has come for you to discover this Eighth Wonder of the World for yourself. Purchase tickets to experience Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardian’s of China’s First Emperor.
Fascinating Facts about the Terra Cotta Warriors
The Terra Cotta Warriors are an army of clay figures dating back to 210 BC. They were created to protect the tomb of the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.
They were discovered in 1974 in Lishan, China. It is estimated that 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses make up the Terra Cotta Army. Of these, most are still buried at their original site.
About 15 terra cotta figures and 120 artifacts will be on display during Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
The warriors are depicted in battle dress and arranged in the burial pits according to their rank. They are positioned facing east, which was the direction attacks on the tomb were thought to come from.
The construction of the emperor’s tomb took 36 years to complete. It was commissioned by him at just 13 years old.
Each of the three underground pits where the Terra Cotta Warriors were discovered is between 15 and 20 feet below ground. Special roofing covered with earth was used to conceal the tomb’s location, but based on some deterioration in the support system, it is thought that looters may have gained access to the area.
The clay figures were fired at a much higher temperature than traditional Chinese pottery of the time. It is estimated that the temperature was between 950 and 1,050 degrees centigrade. Each warrior weighs between 300-400 pounds. The torsos are hollow, but their heads and limbs are solid.
Funerary art is any type of artwork that is placed with the remains of the dead, and may include items that belonged to the deceased or those that can be used in the afterlife.
Qin Shi Huang ruled from 239 BCE until his death in 210 BCE. Although somewhat controversial, the emperor’s legacy includes involvement in the initial construction of the Great Wall of China, introducing the philosophy of legalism and unifying the warring states in China.
