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National Geographic China's Ghost Army Terracotta Warriors 2010 YouTube

Manuel Lyons・27 minutes read

Chinese craftsmen created an army of 8,000 unique and life-size terracotta warriors near Emperor Chiang's tomb in 221 BC, departing from traditional small figurines and utilizing laborious clay coiling techniques for individuality. Each warrior was handcrafted with revolutionary methods, showcasing immense skill and effort, with modern replica makers producing thousands annually using red clay for authenticity.

Insights

  • The terracotta warriors near Emperor Chiang's tomb were individually crafted using a laborious clay coiling method, showcasing the ancient craftsmen's skill and dedication.
  • Mass human sacrifices in ancient Chinese tombs declined due to population changes, leading to more humane practices for preparing for the afterlife and marking a shift in cultural beliefs.

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Recent questions

  • How were the terracotta warriors created?

    Through laborious clay coiling methods by ancient craftsmen.

  • What was the purpose of the terracotta warriors?

    To serve the first emperor in the afterlife.

  • How long did it take to create the terracotta army?

    Eight years.

  • How were the terracotta warriors preserved?

    Through the application of lacquer.

  • What challenges did the craftsmen face in creating the terracotta warriors?

    Extreme temperatures in northern China.

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Summary

00:00

"Terracotta Warriors: Ancient Clay Masterpieces"

  • In 221 BC, Chinese craftsmen began creating an army of 8,000 clay warriors near the tomb of Emperor Chiang, a powerful historical figure who unified China.
  • The terracotta warriors were a unique and costly endeavor, requiring years of work and immense ingenuity due to their life-size scale and individuality.
  • Human sacrifices were common in ancient Chinese tombs, with hundreds of individuals buried to serve their lord in the afterlife, as seen in the tomb of Qing Jing Gong.
  • The practice of mass human sacrifice in China declined due to population decline during the Time of the Warring States, leading to more humane ways of preparing for the afterlife.
  • The first emperor's terracotta warriors were a departure from traditional small pottery figurines, with each warrior being unique in appearance and possibly representing real individuals.
  • Facial recognition analysis of the terracotta warriors in Wellington, New Zealand, revealed distinct features and individuality among the clay figures.
  • Modern replica makers produce thousands of terracotta warrior replicas annually, using red clay found near the original site for authenticity and durability.
  • The ancient craftsmen who made the terracotta warriors used a laborious clay coiling method, pounding and rolling clay strips to create each figure individually by hand.
  • The terracotta warriors' bodies were not mass-produced using molds, contrary to modern assumptions, but were individually crafted with revolutionary clay coiling techniques.
  • Making a single terracotta warrior using traditional clay coiling methods can take up to a month, showcasing the immense skill and effort required by the ancient craftsmen.

23:27

"Terracotta Warriors: Crafting and Preservation Techniques"

  • Molding is efficient for creating identical statues repeatedly, while coiling allows for the creation of 8,000 unique statues.
  • Ancient people aimed for individualized terracotta warriors, leading to the coiling method for varied features.
  • The first emperor utilized massive manpower to create the terracotta army, with 87 master craftsmen overseeing the production.
  • Each master craftsman had a team of apprentices, with an estimated 10 apprentices per team, totaling nearly a thousand workers.
  • The coiling method allowed each team to finish 12 warriors annually, completing all 8,000 in eight years.
  • Extreme temperatures in northern China posed a challenge, with winter cold and summer heat risking the ruin of clay statues.
  • Cave houses near the tomb provided stable temperatures for crafting the terracotta warriors, with ideal conditions for sculpting and firing.
  • Lacquer was applied to the terracotta warriors for preservation, with each statue coated from head to toe.
  • Lacquer was a valuable and rare material, requiring the sap of numerous trees and posing health risks to workers.
  • Scientists are researching methods to preserve the colors of the terracotta warriors, including using a plastic coating and electron beams.

44:08

Ancient Terracotta Warriors: Technological Marvel Revealed

  • Terracotta warriors created over 2000 years ago
  • Science revealing the brilliance of the technological achievement
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