Overview
This lecture covers the discovery, structure, and cultural significance of the Tomb of the First Emperor of China (Qin Shi Huang), emphasizing the terracotta army and the tomb’s reflection of Qin imperial power.
Discovery and Background
- The tomb was discovered in 1974 by farmers who found terracotta warrior fragments.
- Three main pits were found, filled with thousands of unique, life-sized, painted terracotta figures.
- The tomb belongs to Qin Shi Huang, who unified China and founded the Qin dynasty in 221 B.C.E.
The Tomb Complex
- The mausoleum covers 6.3 square kilometers with a central tumulus and distant army pits.
- The complex includes walls, gateways, ritual buildings, and numerous unopened companion tombs.
- The burial chamber under the tumulus remains unexcavated but is believed to be surrounded by brick and earth walls for protection.
Major Finds Within the Tomb
- Two bronze chariots, half-sized replicas of imperial vehicles, were found for the emperor’s afterlife journeys.
- A pit with twelve terracotta officials represents the empire’s bureaucracy.
- Sacrificial pits contained hundreds of horses and other animals, with terracotta grooms and attendants.
- Pit K9801 contained 87 sets of stone armor, possibly for supernatural protection.
- Pit K9901 featured unique terracotta strongman and entertainer figures, possibly for afterlife entertainment or ritual.
Terracotta Army
- The Army Pits contain thousands of terracotta soldiers, each unique and representing different army ranks and roles.
- The army demonstrates the Qin military's dominance and is the highlight of the tomb complex.
Companion Tombs and Laborers
- Unopened tombs likely belong to concubines and relatives; plainer tombs are for laborers and prisoners who built the complex.
- Some laborer tombs show evidence of severe punishment and kin liability.
Interpretation and Legacy
- The tomb complex represents an unprecedented scale in Chinese funerary customs, recreating the emperor’s world for the afterlife.
- Both archaeological and textual evidence suggest the tomb was conceived as an afterlife palace, though the exact beliefs remain uncertain.
- Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum symbolizes the unification, order, and power of the Qin state and reflects the emperor’s vision of governance and afterlife.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Terracotta Army — Life-sized ceramic warriors buried to protect the First Emperor in the afterlife.
- Mausoleum — A large, elaborate tomb, especially for a ruler.
- Tumulus — A mound marking a burial site.
- Mingqi — Funerary objects made of unusual materials for spiritual use.
- Kin Liability — The practice of punishing a criminal’s entire family.
- Apotropaic — Intended to ward off evil or supernatural harm.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review images and diagrams of the tomb complex and army pits.
- Familiarize yourself with the Qin dynasty’s historical context.
- Reflect on how funerary practices reflect political and cultural priorities.