Introduction of Qin terracotta warriors and horses

the terracotta warriors and horses of Qin Shihuang were discovered in 1974, and then a large-scale museum was built here, which was opened on the National Day in 1979.

The Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, which is rare in the world, soon became a sensation at home and abroad. It is regarded as an ancient miracle and one of the most important archaeological discoveries in contemporary times.

Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses amazed the audience with their huge scale, magnificent scenes and superb scientific and artistic level. With the Qin Terracotta Warriors Museum, the ancient city of Xi 'an soon became one of the most important tourist cities in China. Tourists from home and abroad have come here. Most foreign heads of state and other distinguished guests visiting our country should put the visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses on their agenda.

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses Pit is about 1.5 km east of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. There are three pits, one, two and three. The first pit was discovered by local farmers when they were drilling wells, and then the second and third pits were discovered successively after drilling. The first pit is the largest, with a length of 23 meters from east to west and a width of 612 meters, with a total area of 14,26 square meters. There are about 6, life-size pottery figurines buried in this pit, and more than 1, have been cleared up so far. It is incredible to find such a large, numerous and lifelike pottery figurines in the ground.

when I entered the hall of the museum, I saw thousands of life-size warriors lined up neatly in a place 5 meters underground. They were bronzed and 1.8 to 1.97 meters high, and they were all magnificent. It was really forbidding. There are also 32 pottery horses as big as real horses. Taoma is a group of four horses, dragging wooden chariots.

Terracotta Warriors and Horses are arranged in three rows facing east, with 7 warriors and 21 warriors in each row, which seems to be the vanguard of the army. Followed by infantry and chariots, there are 38 columns, each about 18 meters long, which seems to be the main body of the army. On the left and right sides, there is a horizontal team facing south and north, each team has about 18 warrior figures, which seems to be the two wings of the army. At the western end, there is a column of warriors facing west, which seems to be the defender of the army array. Some warriors and friends are wearing battle robes, some are wearing armor, and the bronze weapons in their hands are all real objects. Well-organized, team purge. Dozens of war horses hold their heads high and scream, and they are ready to walk. The whole army is ready to go.

The mighty and majestic military array represents the military achievements and prestige that Qin Shihuang showed in order to accomplish the great cause of reunifying China.

These terracotta warriors and horses are of great value in the art history. The creation of Terracotta Warriors and Horses is based on real life, and its artistic technique is exquisite and lively. The costumes and expressions of the terracotta figures are different. There are many kinds of hairstyles, different gestures and different facial expressions. From their costumes, expressions and gestures, we can tell whether they are officers or soldiers, infantry or cavalry. There are battle-hardened veterans with beards and young people who have just entered the battlefield. The general figurines, who are as high as 1.96 meters, stand upright, absorbed in thought, showing a strong and mighty look. The warrior figure, with his head slightly raised and his eyes looking straight ahead, looks high-spirited and somewhat childish. The warrior in armor, with his right hand holding a long hand and his left hand pressing the car, showed that he was a defending warrior.

In a word, the pottery figurines have distinct personality and strong characteristics of the times. These terracotta warriors and horses are a treasure house of sculpture art, which adds luster to the splendid ancient culture of the Chinese nation and adds a glorious page to the history of world art.

The bronze weapons unearthed in the pit of Terracotta Warriors and Horses include swords, spears, halberds, machetes, crossbows and arrows. According to the test data, these Cu-Sn alloy weapons have been chromized, and although they have been buried in the soil for more than 2, years, their blades are still sharp and shiny, which indicates that they have already had high metallurgical technology at that time and can be regarded as a miracle in the world metallurgical history.

Before 1991, the Qin Terracotta Warriors Museum opened the No.1 pit. In September 1991, No.3 pit was officially opened. The area of No.3 pit is only one twenty-seventh of that of No.1 pit. However, from the analysis of chariots, warriors and other objects unearthed from this pit, this pit may be used as the command of the first and second pits.

in March, 1974, when the villagers in Xiyang village, Yanzhai township, Lintong county, Shaanxi province dug a well 1.5 kilometers east of the mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, they accidentally found many broken pottery figures. According to the detection of archaeologists, this is a rectangular pit of terracotta warriors and horses in Qin Dynasty. In 1976, through drilling, two terracotta warriors and horses pits were discovered 2 and 25 meters north of the pit. According to the time of their discovery, they were named pits 1, 2 and 3 of Terracotta Warriors and Horses. The total area of the three pits is 22,78 square meters.

Pit No.1 is rectangular in plane, with a length of 23m from east to west, a width of 62m and a depth of 5m, with a total area of 14,26m2. It is a tunnel-type civil building structure, with five sloping doorways at the east and west ends, and 1 rammed earth partitions with a width of 2.5m in the tunnel, which are covered with thick beams, and then paved with reed mats, fine mud and fill. The bottom is paved with blue bricks. The Terracotta Warriors and Horses in the No.1 pit are arranged according to the actual battle array. At the eastern end of the pit is a long corridor, where there are three rows of warriors facing east, 7 in each row and 21 in * * *, armed with crossbows. They are the vanguard troops of the No.1 pit army array. On the south side of the promenade, there is a row of warriors facing south, which is the right wing; There is a row of warriors facing north in the north, which is the left wing; There is a column of warriors facing west in the west, which is a defender. Armed with long-range weapons such as crossbows, they served as the vigilance task of the whole army. In 11 tunnels separated by 1 partitions, there are 38 columns facing east, and there are chariots in the middle of each road. All the terracotta figures are wearing armor and holding long weapons. They are the main force of pit one. There are 27 exploration sites in No.1 pit. According to the density of terracotta warriors and horses arranged in each exploration site, more than 6, terracotta warriors and horses can be unearthed after all the excavations, most of which are infantry.

2 meters north of the eastern end of Pit No.1 is Pit No.2, which is a rectangular army array composed of four different arms in four units, with an area of 6, square meters. It is estimated that more than 1, pottery figurines can be unearthed, including nearly 5 horses and pommel horses. The first unit, that is, the part of Greater Bucket protruding to the east of the figurine pit, is a small square consisting of 334 pieces of crossbowmen figurines. The second unit, the southern half of the figurine pit, includes one to eight holes, and it is a square consisting of 64 chariots, each of which has three sergeant figurines. The third unit, the middle part of the figurine pit, including nine to eleven holes, is a square consisting of 19 chariots and more than 1 unarmed figurines attached to the vehicle. The fourth unit, the northern half of the figurine pit, includes 12 to 14 holes. It is a cavalry formation consisting of 6 chariots, 124 pommel horses and 124 cavalry figurines. The four units are organically connected to form a large array, and can also be separately formed into four independent small arrays, which are functional, strong in self-protection and quick in response. Three of the four units in the No.2 pit are equipped with chariots, and the chariots account for more than half of the whole army array area, which proves that chariots was still the main fighting force in Qin Dynasty. The wooden chariot has been decayed for a long time, but the shafts and wheels have left clear marks in the soil, and the copper components on the chariot still exist.

No.3 pit is 25 meters west of No.2 pit and 25 meters north of No.1 pit, with a concave plane and an area of 52 square meters. There are only 4 horses, 1 cart and 68 clay figurines. To the east of it is a sloping doorway with a length of 11.2 meters and a width of 3.7 meters. Corresponding to the doorway is a carriage house, and there is an east-west wing on both sides of the carriage house, namely the south wing and the north wing. * * * 64 pottery figurines were unearthed. The arrangement of these terracotta figures is different from that of pits 1 and 2. The terracotta figures in pits 1 and 2 are arranged in battle formation. The weapons held by the warrior figures in pit 3 are also different from those in pits 1 and 2. The latter is equipped with long-range crossbows, spears, bows, cymbals, swords, etc. in close combat, while only one kind of bladeless weapon, copper oar, was found in the third pit. In the Qin Dynasty, the bronze casket was a weapon specially used for ceremonial purposes. In the north wing, a piece of residual antlers and a pile of animal bones were also found. It may be a place dedicated to pre-war divination or prayer activities. Looking at the whole layout of No.3 pit, it may be the headquarters of the whole underground army array-the military curtain.

In China, the pottery figurines first appeared in the Warring States period, but the pottery figurines made at that time were small in size, low in temperature and rough in production. The Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses are not only tall, but also exquisitely made, with accurate modeling and extremely high technological level. In December 198, two large painted bronze chariots and horses were excavated 2 meters west of the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum, and were classified as No.1 and No.2 in the order of discovery. At that time, they were all buried in a 7-meter-deep pit with a wooden coffin outside. When unearthed, two bronze chariots and horses were severely damaged due to the decay of the wooden coffin and the collapse of the soil layer. Among them, the No.2 bronze chariot horse has been broken into 1,555 pieces. After two and a half years of careful and arduous restoration by archaeologists and experts in various fields, the No.2 bronze chariot horse was officially exhibited on October 1, 1983, and the No.1 bronze chariot horse was also officially exhibited in 1988.

These two buses are all four horses and a single shaft, which are arranged longitudinally in front and back. The first car in front should be an ancient "high car". Car No.2 is called "Anche", which is divided into a front imperial room and a rear passenger room. The two rooms are separated by a car wall. The driver sits in the front imperial room, and the master sits in the back passenger room. There are three windows in front of the passenger compartment and on the left and right sides, and a door is left at the back. The doors and windows can be opened and closed flexibly, and the small holes in the windows can adjust the air, so as to look at it from home and abroad. The car has an oval umbrella cover. This car is painted with white background, and the No.2 car is equipped with more than 1,5 pieces of gold and silver components and ornaments, which looks gorgeous and rich. It may be for Qin Shihuang's soul to travel. Car No.1 is equipped with crossbows, arrows and shields, and the driver wears an official hat, which shows that this car is used to protect the safety of car No.2 behind.

bronze chariots and horses are the earliest, most comprehensive, highest-level and most refined bronze treasures in China, and also the largest bronze found in the world. Its excavation provides extremely precious material data for textual research on metallurgical technology, vehicle structure and process modeling in Qin Dynasty.

general figurines (unearthed from No.1 terracotta warriors pit)

No.1 terracotta warriors pit T2 was unearthed through the second hole, with a total height of 1.97 meters, and was located behind the chariot (the chariot was made of wood, which was rotten). There is a relic of a drum on the right side of the car trail, which shows that it is a senior general who mastered the golden drum and commanded the army. This figurine is dressed in a double gown, covered with colorful scales, with short shoulders (that is, shoulder pad armor), gaskin tied his leggings, and wore a square mouth and pointed shoes, wearing a crown. Hands hanging in front of the abdomen as a sword, accompanied by a bronze sword near it. Strong body, rectangular face, thick cheeks, serious face and terrible temperament.

General figurines (unearthed from No.1 Terracotta Warriors Pit)

The No.1 Terracotta Warriors Pit T2 was unearthed from the 1th cave, and he was a senior general on the command vehicle. Dressed in colorful fish scales, wearing a crown, hands in front of the abdomen as a sword. The body is burly, the facial features are rough, and the expression is brave. The shape is accurate and the proportion is appropriate. In particular, the shaping of the face is more exciting and full of portrait characteristics.

general figurines (unearthed from pit No.2)

No.2 Terracotta Warriors and Horses Pit T9 was unearthed by the trial excavation. It is located in the left rear corner of the rectangular traffic array and is a senior general of this traffic array. It is 1.96 meters high, wearing a double gown, fish scales, trousers, pointed shoes and a crown. His arms droop naturally, his right hand is half clenched, and his holding is unknown. Long face, a long beard, elegant demeanor, as if holding a million soldiers, success or failure is assured.

The general figurine (unearthed from No.1 Terracotta Warriors Pit)

Unearthed in No.1 Terracotta Warriors Pit T1, he was a senior general in the command vehicle. The height is 1.91 meters. This terracotta warrior is not wearing armor, but wearing a double gown with a collar and a right skirt and a belt around his waist. Wearing trousers, the feet are square and the toes are pointed. Wearing a crown, the crown has a strap under the chin, and the strap tail hangs over the chest in a figure of eight. The upper body leans forward slightly, the left hand is like a sword, and the right hand is unclear. He has a stout body, a wide head and a broad face, a simple appearance and a simple personality, and seems to be a senior military official who came from all walks of life.

Armored warrior figurines (unearthed from Cave No.1)

The costumes of these three warrior figurines are basically the same. They are all dressed in a long gown with a collar and a right leg, with armor on the outside and shorts on the bottom, legs tied and a round bun on their heads. Some wear short boots, and some wear square-toed shoes. The arms droop naturally, and the right hand is crossbow-like. At present, 155 pieces of this kind of bun armor figurines have been unearthed in Terracotta Warriors Pit No.1, of which 84 pieces are subordinate infantry figurines following chariots, and the other 71 pieces are independent infantry figurines. It is of great significance to study the history of infantry in ancient China.

The bun of the figurines is located on the right side of the head, which reflects the customs of the Qin people. The long coat with the right collar belongs to Hanfu, while the leather belt with short boots and waist belt belongs to Hufu, which shows that the integration of national culture has penetrated into people's lives in the Qin Dynasty. The first warrior figurine on the left has the word "Shang" on it for a moment, which is the name of the Potter and is the producer of this pottery figurine.

Armored warrior figurines (unearthed in part from No.3 Pit)

Unearthed in the tunnel in the south of No.3 Pit, they are guards who serve as guards, and Qin is called short soldiers. The figurines are dressed in armor and have six broad braided flat buns at the back of their heads. The right arm bends forward, and the right hand holds a long soldier's shape, standing upright and imposing. The shaping technique of the body is relatively simple, without too much ostentation. The facial carving is exquisite and the style is bright. Eyebrows are artistically exaggerated, and they are shaped with sharp edges and corners. From a distance, the outline of the face is clearer. The face is pink, and the eyes are painted with white eyes and black beads. This figurine is a successful masterpiece in the third pit.

Armored warrior figures (unearthed from No.1 Terracotta Warriors Pit)

These warrior figures are all infantry figures of No.1 Terracotta Warriors Army Array, which can be divided into two types according to their different costumes: Figures 1 and 4 are armored warrior figures of Jiege, and Figures 2, 3 and 6 are flat-bun armored warrior figures. The armor figurines of Jiege are dressed in a long gown with a collar and a pair of shoulders. Wear shorts, shin guards, and feet with square mouths. A round bun on the head and a round soft cloth hat with a pointed top (formerly known as Jiege). The left hand is like a sword, and the hand is like a crossbow. There are two pottery rings on the carapace in Figure 5. The rings were originally tied with arrows, and there were hundreds of arrows in them. Jiege armor figurines are heavy infantry figurines, and 43 pieces have been unearthed in the pit of Terracotta Warriors No.1, including 88 pieces of independent infantry figurines and 315 pieces of infantry figurines belonging to chariots. Jiege armor figurines are brave in combat without helmets, which is an important part of Qin infantry.

The main difference between the costume of the flat-bun armor figurines and that of the medium-sized armor figurines is that the flat-bun with six wide braids is tied at the back of the head. Some are bound with legs, while others are bound with leggings; Some wear boots, some wear shoes. Some hold crossbows, some hold spears, Ge and other long soldiers. The gesture in Figure 6 is quite special, the left hand is half clenched, the wrist is twisted to the lower left, and the object is unknown. At present, 51 flat-bun armored figurines have been unearthed in the No.1 pit, including 22 independent infantry figurines and 29 infantry figurines belonging to chariots.

Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3

Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6

Warrior figurines in robes (unearthed from Cave No.1)

These two warrior figurines are light infantry figurines. Wearing a long gown with a collar and a leather belt around the waist; Wear shorts and tie your legs; Foot boarding; A round bun on the head. The left hand is like a sword, and the right hand is like a bow. There are bundles of bronze cymbals and bronze crossbows near the figurines. The warrior figures in Figure 7 are slender, rectangular and rugged, which are typical images of Qin people in Guanzhong. The warrior figure in Figure 8, with high cheekbones and big beard, looks like a soldier from northwest minority areas. At present, 4 warrior figurines in battle robes have been unearthed in the No.1 pit, most of which are the vanguard of the military array.

cavalry figurines (unearthed from No.2 figurine pit)

They were unearthed in the trial excavation of No.2 figurine pit T12, with a horse body length of about 2 meters and a head height of 1.72 meters. There is a saddle carved on the horse's back, and a winding head, a bit and a rein are worn on the head. The cavalry figurines are 1.8 meters tall and stand in front of the horse, holding the reins with one hand and making a bow with the other. The armor of cavalry figurines is shorter than that of infantry and chariots, and the length is only waist-length.