Introduction of Qin terracotta warriors and horses

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang were discovered in 1974, and then a large museum was built here, which was opened on the National Day of 1979.

After the opening of the world's rare Qin Terracotta Warriors Museum, it quickly caused 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 Xi 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 visiting the Terracotta Warriors on their agenda.

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses Pit is about 1.5 km east of Qin Shihuang Mausoleum. 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 one after another after drilling wells. The first pit is the largest, with a length of 230m from east to west, a width of 6 12m and a total area of 14260m2. There are about 6,000 life-size pottery figurines buried in this pit, and more than 1000 have been cleaned up so far. It is unbelievable to find such a large, numerous and lifelike pottery figurines in the ground.

Entering the hall of the museum, I saw thousands of life-size warriors lined up neatly at a depth of 5 meters underground, all in bronze, with a height of 1.8 to 1.97 meters. They are magnificent and daunting. There are 32 pottery horses as big as real horses. Ma Tao is a group of four horses, dragging wooden chariots.

Terracotta Warriors and Horses are arranged in three rows facing east, with 70 warrior figures in each row, ***2 10, which seems to be the vanguard of the military array. Followed by infantry and chariots, a total of 38 columns, each column is about 180 meters long, which seems to be the main body of the army array. On the left and right sides, there is a horizontal team facing the north and south. Each team has about 180 soldiers, which seems to be the two wings of the army. There is a column of warriors facing west at the western end, which seems to be the guardian of the army array. Some warriors and friends wear battle robes, others wear armor, and the bronze weapons in their hands are all real objects. Well-organized, team purge. Dozens of war horses hissed with their heads held high, ready to go. The whole army is ready to go.

The majestic military array represents Qin Shihuang's military achievements and dignity in order to accomplish the great cause of reunifying China.

The art history of these terracotta warriors and horses is very valuable. The creation of terracotta warriors and horses is based on real life, and its artistic techniques are delicate and vivid. The costumes and expressions of the Terracotta Warriors 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 veterans with beards who have fought many battles and young people who have just stepped into the battlefield. Ordinary figurines, as high as 1.96 meters, stand upright and concentrate on thinking, showing a firm and powerful appearance. The figure of a soldier, with his head slightly raised and his eyes looking straight ahead, looks high-spirited and childish. The warrior in armor holds a long hand in his right hand and presses the car with his left hand, which shows that he is a garrison warrior.

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

Bronze weapons unearthed from Terracotta Warriors and Horses Pit include swords, spears, halberds, machetes and a large number of crossbows and arrows. According to the test data, these Cu-Sn alloy weapons have been chrome-plated. Although they have been buried in the soil for more than 2,000 years, their blades are still sharp and shiny, which shows that they already had high metallurgical technology at that time, which is a miracle in the world metallurgical history.

199 1 years ago, the Qin Terracotta Warriors Museum opened the No.1 pit. 199 1 September, 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 artifacts unearthed from this pit, this pit may be used as the headquarters of pits 1 and 2.

1974 In March, villagers in Xiyang Village, Yanzhai Township, Lintong County, Shaanxi Province accidentally found many broken pottery figurines while drilling a well 1.5 km east of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. According to archaeologists, this is a rectangular pit of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Through drilling hole 1976, two terracotta warriors and horses pits were discovered 20 meters and 25 meters north of the pit respectively. According to the time when they were discovered, they were named Terracotta Warriors 1 Pit, Pit 2 and Pit 3. The total area of the three pits is 22,780 square meters.

The plane of No.1 pit is rectangular, with a length of 230m from east to west, a width of 62m and a depth of 5m, with a total area of14260m2. It is a tunnel-type civil building structure with five inclined doorways at the east and west ends, and there are 10 rammed earth partition walls with a width of 2.5 meters in the tunnel. Thick beams are placed on the partition, covered with reed mats, fine mud and soil. The bottom is paved with blue bricks. The terracotta warriors and horses in pit 1 are arranged according to the actual combat formation. At the eastern end of the pit is a long corridor, where there are three rows of warriors facing east, each with 70 people, ***2 10 holding crossbows. They are the vanguard of the No.1 pit army array. On the south side of the corridor, 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 line of warriors facing west in the west, who are defenders. Armed with long-range weapons, such as crossbows, they are on alert for the whole army. In the tunnel separated by the partition wall of 1 1, 38 eastbound roads are arranged, with chariots in the middle of each road. All terracotta warriors and horses wear armor and carry long weapons. They are the main force of pit one. There are 27 exploration points in No.1 pit. According to the density of terracotta warriors and horses arranged in each exploration point, more than 6,000 terracotta warriors and horses can be unearthed after all excavations, most of which are infantry.

20 meters to the north from the eastern end of the No.1 pit is the No.2 pit, which is a square army array composed of four arms and four units, covering an area of 6,000 square meters. It is estimated that more than 0/000 pieces of pottery figurines/kloc-can be unearthed, and nearly 500 horses and pommel horses have been found. The first unit, that is, the part of the vat protruding from the east side of the pit, is a small square consisting of 334 crossbowmen. The second unit, the southern half of the figurine pit, includes 1 to 8 holes. It is a square composed of 64 chariots, and each chariot has three sergeant figurines. The third unit, the middle part of the pit, including nine to eleven holes, is a square consisting of 19 chariots and 100 unarmed figurines attached to the vehicles. The fourth unit, the northern half of the figurine pit, includes 12 to 14 passing through the hole. It is a cavalry formation consisting of 6 chariots, 124 pommel horses and 65438 cavalry figurines. Four units are organically connected to form a large array, or four independent small arrays can be formed separately, with powerful functions, strong self-protection ability and rapid response. Three of the four units in the No.2 pit were equipped with chariots, which accounted for more than half of the entire army array, proving that chariots were still the main combat force in the Qin Dynasty. The wooden chariot has been decayed for a long time, but the axles and wheels have left clear traces in the soil, and the copper components on the chariot still exist.

The third pit is 25 meters west of the second pit and 25 meters north of the first pit. The plane is concave, with an area of 520 square meters. There are only four horses, 1 car and 68 clay figurines. On its east is an inclined doorway with a length of 1 1.2m and a width of 3.7m 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 pits 1 and 2. The terracotta figures in pits 1 and 2 are arranged in battle formation. The weapons held by the warriors in pit 3 are also different from those in pit 1 and pit 2. The latter is equipped with long-range crossbows, spears, bows, cymbals and swords. In the melee, only one kind of bladeless weapon-copper paddle was found in the third pit. In Qin dynasty, bronze casket was a weapon specially used for ritual purposes. In the north wing, a residual antler 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 overall layout of the No.3 pit, it may be the headquarters of the entire 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. Qin terracotta warriors and horses are not only tall, but also beautifully made, accurate in shape and extremely high in craftsmanship. 1980 12 two large painted bronze chariots and horses were excavated 20 meters west of Qin Shihuang's mausoleum, which were listed as No.1 and No.2 in the order of discovery. At that time, they were all buried in a pit 7 meters deep with a wooden coffin outside. When unearthed, two bronze chariots and horses were seriously damaged due to the decay of the wooden coffin and the collapse of the soil layer. Among them, the number of No.2 bronze chariots and horses was 1.555 pieces. After two and a half years of careful and painstaking restoration by archaeologists and experts in various fields, the No.2 bronze chariot and horse was officially exhibited on 19836+00, 1.

These two buses are all four horses and one axle, which are arranged longitudinally in front and back. The first car ahead should be an ancient "high car". Car No.2 is called "Che 'an", which is divided into the former imperial room and the 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 guest room. There are three windows in front and left and right of the passenger compartment, and a door is left behind. Doors and windows can be opened and closed flexibly, and the small holes in the windows can adjust the air, which can be seen from home and abroad. This car has an oval umbrella cover. This car is painted on a white background, and the No.2 car is equipped with 1, more than 500 pieces of gold and silver components and ornaments, which looks gorgeous and rich. Probably traveling for the soul of Qin Shihuang. 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 complete, highest-grade and most exquisite 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 pit 1)

Pit T2 of Terracotta Warriors and Horses No.1 was excavated through the second cave, with a height of1.97m, and located behind the chariot (the chariot is made of wood and decayed). 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 wearing a double gown, colorful scales and short shoulders. Gaskin wears leggings, square-toed shoes and a crown. Hands hanging in front of the abdomen as a sword, with a bronze sword 1. Strong body, rectangular face, thick cheeks, serious expression and terrible temperament.

General figurines (unearthed from pit 1)

No.1 Terracotta Warriors Pit T20 was unearthed in Shidu Cave and was a senior general on the command vehicle. Wearing colorful fish scales, wearing a crown, and putting your hands in front of your abdomen as swords. Big figure, rough facial features and brave expression. Accurate modeling and proper proportion. In particular, the shaping of the face is more exciting and full of portrait characteristics.

General figurines (unearthed from Cave 2)

No.2 Terracotta Warriors Pit T9 was unearthed, located in the left rear corner of the rectangular traffic array, and was a senior general of this traffic array. Height1.96m, wearing double robes, fish-scale pants, pointed shoes and a crown. His arms droop naturally, his right hand is half clenched, and his grip is unknown. Long face, long beard, personable, as if holding a million soldiers, success or failure is at stake.

General figurines (unearthed from pit 1)

T 1 unearthed from Terracotta Warriors Pit No.1 is a senior general on the command vehicle. The height is1.91m. This terracotta warrior is not wearing armor, but wearing a double robe with a right skirt and a belt around his waist. Wear pants with square feet and pointed toes. Wearing a crown, there is a belt under the chin of the crown, and the tail of the belt 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 is stout, broad-headed, broad-faced, simple-looking and simple-minded, and seems to be a senior officer coming from all walks of life.

Armored warrior figurines (unearthed from pit 1)

The costumes of these three samurai images are basically the same. They are all wearing gowns with collars and right skirts, with armor outside and shorts below. Their legs were tied and wrapped in a bun. Some wear short boots and some wear square-toed shoes. The arms droop naturally and the right hand is crossbow-shaped. At present, there are 155 figurines of this kind in Terracotta Warriors Pit No.1, of which 84 are subordinate infantry figurines following chariots, and the remaining 7 1 figurines are independent infantry figurines. It is of great significance to study the history of ancient infantry in China.

The bun of the figurines is located on the right side of the head, reflecting the customs of Qin people. The long coat with right collar belongs to Hanfu, and the leather coat with short boots and belts belongs to Khufu, which shows that the integration of national culture has penetrated into people's lives in Qin Dynasty. The first warrior figure on the left has a word "Shang" on it, which is the name of the Potter and the maker of this pottery figure.

Armored warrior figurines (unearthed from Cave 3)

Unearthed in the south tunnel of Terracotta Warriors and Horses Pit No.3, they are guards who serve as guards, and Qin called them short soldiers. These 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 shape, standing straight and imposing. The body shaping technique is relatively simple, and there is not much to show off. The face is beautifully carved and has a distinctive style. Artistic exaggeration of eyebrows, 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 and black beads. This figurine is a successful masterpiece of No.3 pit.

Armored warrior figurines (unearthed from pit 1)

These warrior figures are all infantry figures of the No.1 Terracotta Army, which can be divided into two types according to their different costumes: Figure 1, Figure 4 is a warrior figure in armor, Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 6 are warrior figures in armor and flat bun. Jiege's armor figurines are wearing long gowns with shoulders. Wear shorts, shin guards and square feet. A round bun on the head and a pointed round soft cloth hat (formerly known as Jie Ge). The left hand is like a sword, and the hand is like a crossbow. Fig. 5 There are two ceramic rings on the carapace. Arrows were originally tied to the ring, and there were hundreds of arrows inside. Jiege armor figurines are heavy infantry figurines, and 403 pieces have been unearthed in No.1 Terracotta Warriors Pit, including 88 pieces of independent infantry figurines and 3 15 pieces of chariot infantry figurines. The terracotta warriors are brave without helmets and are an important part of the Qin infantry.

The main difference between the clothes of flat-bun terracotta warriors and the clothes of medium-sized terracotta warriors is that six flat-bun are tied at the back of the head. Some leggings, some leggings; Some wear boots, others wear shoes. Some hold crossbows, some hold spears, 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, a total of 5 1 flat-headed armor figurines have been unearthed in pit 1, including 22 independent infantry figurines and 29 chariot infantry figurines.

Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6

Warrior figurines (unearthed from pit 1)

These two warrior images are light infantry images. Wearing a gown with a collar and a belt around her waist; Wear shorts and leggings; Pedal skateboard; A 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 crossbows beside the figurines. The warrior figure in Figure 7 is slender, rectangular and uneven, which is a typical image of Qin people in Guanzhong. The warrior figures in Figure 8, with high cheekbones and big beards, look like soldiers from northwest minority areas. At present, 400 warrior figures in battle robes have been unearthed in No.1 pit, most of which are pioneers of the military array.

Cavalry figurines (unearthed from Cave 2)

Pit T 12 of Terracotta Warriors and Horses No.2 was excavated by trial excavation. The horse is about 2 meters long and its head is 1.72 meters high. The saddle is engraved on the horse's back, and a twisted head, drill and reins are worn on the head. The cavalry figurines are 1.80 meters tall, standing in front of the horse, holding the reins in one hand and pulling the bow in the other. The armor of cavalry figurines is shorter than that of infantry and chariots, and the length is only waist-long. There is no shoulder pad armor on the shoulders, which is convenient for riding horses and carrying crossbows. The cuffs of the coat are narrow, and the double lapels are covered on the chest, knee-high and it is more convenient to lift the legs and get on the horse. Wearing trousers, booties and a small round hat with buttons under his chin. The costume of cavalry figurines is one of the most typical examples in the history of the blending of Qin costumes and ancient "Hu clothes".

Pommel horse (unearthed from No.2 pit)

T 12 trial excavation of Terracotta Warriors Pit No.2 was completed. The horse is about 2 meters long and its head is 1.72 meters high. Cut the mane, braid the tail, shrug your ears, and open your mouth like a hiss. Carve a saddle pad on the back of the horse, which is slightly convex at both ends and concave in the middle. The saddle is made of leather, with a red surface and eight rows of pink saddle nails. The saddle is lined with green spears, and the sides and front and rear ends of the saddle are decorated with leaf-shaped and strip-shaped ribbons. There is a leather-like buckle on the saddle, which wraps around the horse's stomach and firmly fixes the saddle on the horse's back. Qiu climbed on the horse's hip behind the saddle to prevent the saddle from sliding forward. In the past, people thought that the appearance of China saddle began in the Han Dynasty. The excavation of cavalry horses in Terracotta Warriors and Horses Pit proved that there were short bridge saddles in Qin Dynasty, but no stirrups. Stirrups began in the Western Jin Dynasty. When Gao Qiao saddle with stirrups appeared in Sui and Tang Dynasties, the development of cavalry harness entered a mature stage.

Pommel horse (unearthed from No.2 pit)

Pommel horse head pommel horse part

The head of a horse leader (unearthed from Cave 2)

No.2 Terracotta Warriors Pit T 12 was excavated in the northern half. A dignified face, a pair of big eyes, dark eyes and burning eyes. The facial contour is clear, and the muscle fluctuation conforms to the anatomical principle. It is an excellent work of art, with many colors left on it. Scarlet collar and armor belt are painted on the face in two layers, the lower layer is red and the upper layer is pink.

Royal hand figurines (unearthed from the local No.1 pit)

Unearthed at the eastern end of Terracotta Warriors pit No.1, next to a chariot passing through the pit in T 10 Square. The total height is1.88m. He wears armor, no epaulettes, a long crown, and a tie under his chin. Half-lift your arms forward and keep your hands in a controlled position. He leaned forward slightly, bowed his head, and controlled the horses and chariots intently. He is a loyal driver. The emperor's hand figures unearthed from the Terracotta Warriors pit all wore crowns, ranking higher than ordinary foot soldiers.

Imperial hand figurines (unearthed from Cave 2)

Unearthed in pit T 1 of terracotta warriors and horses. Height1.89m. Wearing a long raft, armor, leggings, full of shoes, and a round bun. Wearing a long crown, there is a belt under the crown, and the tail of the belt hangs down on the chest. Armor suits are quite special. Arm armor (formerly known as shoulder armor) is as long as wrist, hand armor is covered, and armor (formerly known as basin collar) is also around the neck. This kind of armor has only been seen in archaeological excavations. In ancient chariots, the charioteer stood on the chariot to control the chariots and horses, and the target was easily injured by enemy arrows. Once the charioteer is injured, Che Yi will lose control, causing chaos and failure of the army. Therefore, special attention should be paid to protecting the charioteer.

Cheyou figurine (unearthed from Cave No.2) (Figure 1)

T 1 on the south side of No.2 pit has been excavated after trial excavation. Height1.82m. There are also imperial hand figurines and car sitting figurines. Three figurines lined up in a horizontal line in the car, with the imperial hand in the middle and the military commanders on both sides, which were called the left and right sides of the car in ancient times. This figurine lives on the right side of the car, so it is called the figurine of the rider. Wearing a gown, armor, leggings and shoes. Wanyuanji Standing with his left foot striding half a step to the left, holding weapons such as spears and guns in front of his right arm. The left arm hangs down, the sleeves are tied at the elbows, and the palms of the bent palms are pressed down. Turn your head slightly to the left and pay attention to the writ. As long as you give the order, you can jump into the car and gallop on the battlefield.

Car sitting statue (unearthed from Cave 2) (Figure 2)

T 1 trial excavation on the south side of No.2 figurine pit. Height1.82m. Located on the left side of the chariot, it looks like a car and holds a long-handled weapon in one hand. The duties of the three warriors in ancient chariots are: the commander-in-chief is responsible for driving the chariots and horses, and the left and right sides of the chariot are responsible for fighting the enemies on both sides of the chariot. The so-called "left attack left" and "right attack right". In ancient car wars, the chariots of both sides collided at the wrong hub, and the division of labor between the left and right cars was suitable for this kind of warfare.

General figurines (unearthed from No.1 pit) (Figure 2)

Pit No.1 was unearthed, behind a command vehicle, with a height of1.93m.. Dressed in inner and outer robes, covered with scales, the front breastplate is pointed at the bottom, the lower part of the rear breastplate is waist-long, and there are no shoulders (shoulder armor) on both shoulders. Wear a crown and shoes. His arms drooped naturally, his right hand shrank into his sleeve, his left hand clenched his fist and held something unknown. He has delicate facial features, a long beard and looks resourceful.

General figurines (unearthed from pit 1) (Figure 3)

It was unearthed at the eastern end of Terracotta Warriors Pit No.1, next to the T 19 Fangjiu Tunnel Command Vehicle, and there were 1 bronze bells near the track. Bell is one of the commands to command the army. The so-called drumming means marching, and ringing gold means retreating. The figurine is 1.95 meters high, wearing a double robe with a collar and a right collar, a belt around the waist, leggings, a crown and no armor. This is a light statue. Left hand is like a sword, right hand is half-held, unknown object.

General figurines (unearthed from pit 1)

Unearthed at the eastern end of Terracotta Warriors Pit No.1, next to a command vehicle passing through a cave in T 10 Square, there are traces of drums near the tracks. Drum is one of the commands used by generals when commanding troops. As the saying goes, "if the drum is advanced, the heavy drum will hit." The statuette is 1.96 meters high, wearing a double robe and covered with scales without shoulders. The pattern around the nails has fallen off. Hair is tied in a flat bun at the back of the head and crowned. The arms droop naturally, the thumb of the right hand is clamped in the sleeve with the index finger and middle finger, and the left hand is half clenched, and the grip method is unknown. With a long beard and a smile on his chin, he looks very cheerful. There is a seal of "Gongzang" on the corner of the garment, which is the name of the Potter and the maker of this figurine.

General figurines (unearthed from pit 1)

It was unearthed in the middle of Terracotta Warriors pit No.1, next to a command vehicle, with a height of1.97m.. Wearing colorful fish scales, the flower patterns on the nails have fallen off, leaving only traces on the soil. Wear a crown with a bow tie under the chin and a tail floating on the chest. Put your hands in front of your abdomen as swords. Beard, cheerful appearance, open-minded personality.

General figurines (unearthed from Cave 2)

It was unearthed in T4 trial excavation in the northeast corner of No.2 inclined shaft, with a total height of1.95m. It was wearing a double robe, scales, short shoulders and a crown. Hands hanging in front of the abdomen, shaped like a sword, the commander-in-chief phalanx of the No.2 pit consists of kneeling figurines and vertical figurines. This statue of the general is located in the left rear corner of the crossbowman's phalanx and is the commander of the crossbowman.