What happened here?
The Terracotta Army is a monumental collection of sculptures created to protect the tomb of the first Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This army, composed of thousands of clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, was meant to guard the emperor in the afterlife. Each statue is unique and intricately detailed, showcasing the craftsmanship of the time. The discovery of this army in 1974 near the city of Xi'an was one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century.
Learn more about this event
Thousands of Clay Guardians for Eternity
On the edge of a vast plain near the modern city of Xi'an, one of the greatest artistic endeavors of antiquity took place in 210 BC. Craftsmen and artists, whose numbers are estimated in the thousands, worked on a monumental project for the first Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang. They created a terracotta army to protect the emperor in the afterlife. Each soldier statue was unique, differing in face and armor, which testified to the immense effort and skill of the creators.
Emperor Qin Shi Huang, known for his obsession with immortality, ordered the construction of his tomb during his lifetime. The terracotta army, placed in three underground pits, was part of this grandiose project. Each soldier, horse, and chariot was meticulously modeled and fired to withstand the test of time. The creation of such a vast and detailed army was an unprecedented effort that required the coordination and expertise of dozens of craft workshops.
The discovery of the terracotta army in 1974 marked a new perspective on Chinese history and art. It demonstrated the level of technical and artistic mastery of ancient China, surpassing everything known until then. Today, the terracotta army is considered the eighth wonder of the world and has become a symbol of the imperial power and ambitions of Qin Shi Huang, which have endured for millennia.
Where it happened
Coordinates: 34.3814, 109.2538 · View larger map
FAQ
In what year did Creation of the Terracotta Army of the First Chinese Emperor happen?
It happened: 230 BC – 190 BC.
What was Creation of the Terracotta Army of the First Chinese Emperor?
The Terracotta Army is a monumental collection of sculptures created to protect the tomb of the first Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This army, composed of thousands of clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, was meant to guard the emperor in the afterlife. Each statue is unique and intricately detaile
Where can I try Creation of the Terracotta Army of the First Chinese Emperor?
On HistoryGuesser — explore a 360° scene and guess where in the world and in what year it happened.
What you'll see here
In the game you stand right at this place in a 360° panorama and guess where and when the event happened.
View in 360° →
