Tomb of Qin Shi Huang

Definition

The tomb of Qin Shi Huang is the final resting place of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, located near the ancient city of Xi'an in Shaanxi province. This monumental burial site is famous for its Terracotta Army, which was constructed to accompany the emperor into the afterlife, symbolizing his power and the unification of China under his rule.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tomb itself has not been fully excavated, and it is believed to contain many treasures and artifacts that remain undiscovered.
2. The Terracotta Army consists of over 8,000 soldiers, 670 horses, and 130 chariots, each uniquely crafted with distinct facial features and clothing.
3. Qin Shi Huang's tomb reflects the emperor's beliefs in immortality and his desire to maintain control over his empire even after death.
4. Construction of the tomb and its accompanying structures began shortly after Qin Shi Huang ascended to the throne and took nearly 40 years to complete.
5. The tomb's location was chosen strategically to align with natural landscapes and is thought to represent ancient Chinese cosmology and beliefs.

Review Questions

• How does the tomb of Qin Shi Huang reflect the emperor's beliefs about life after death?
  • The tomb of Qin Shi Huang embodies his strong belief in immortality and the idea that he needed protection in the afterlife. The massive burial complex, especially the Terracotta Army, was created to guard him as he transitioned from life to death. This illustrates how Qin Shi Huang sought to maintain his power and influence even beyond death, showcasing his desire for eternal control over his empire.
• Discuss the significance of the Terracotta Army in understanding the military organization and culture during the Qin Dynasty.
  • The Terracotta Army is significant because it provides insight into the military organization, tactics, and hierarchical structure of the Qin Dynasty. Each soldier in the army reflects the diverse roles within the military, showcasing a well-structured force ready for battle. Additionally, their unique features indicate a highly skilled workforce involved in producing these life-sized figures, emphasizing the sophistication of Qin-era craftsmanship and culture.
• Evaluate how the discoveries made at the tomb of Qin Shi Huang have contributed to our understanding of ancient Chinese civilization and its imperial practices.
  • Discoveries at the tomb of Qin Shi Huang have greatly enhanced our understanding of ancient Chinese civilization, particularly regarding imperial practices related to death and burial rituals. The scale and complexity of the tomb reflect the emperor's absolute power and elaborate planning associated with governance during his reign. Furthermore, these findings provide evidence of technological advancements in craftsmanship and military organization at that time, helping historians piece together how unification under Qin Shi Huang shaped future dynasties.

Related terms

Terracotta Army: A collection of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers and horses that were buried with Qin Shi Huang to protect him in the afterlife.

Qin Dynasty: The first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221 to 206 BCE, known for its significant contributions to the unification and centralization of China.

Great Wall of China: A series of fortifications built during various dynasties, including the Qin Dynasty, to protect Chinese states from invasions and raids.