Besides this post-mortem army, all indicates that Emperor Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇) was a great man. And influential too, probably only matched by Mao ZeDong in the consequences of his rule in Chinese History. He started as a kind of hostage prince, became king of a state, and finished the period of Warring States by bringing most of China under his control. Proclaiming himself emperor, he banned much of Confucianism, organised the whole empire under a system separating political and military powers (extended from his original kingdom), standardised measures (length, weight, currency), and introduced Legalism and an official script. Massive public works developed the nation, such as the precursor of the Great Wall, river dams, roads... and the mausoleum containing thousands of life-sized clay warriors. The terracota army is speculated to have been meant to guard the emperor's tomb or accompany in his ressurection.
An impressive view.. Qin Shi Huang searched dearly for immortality, but observing these warriors intact (recovered) and broken, isn't it evident, all that is must perish, ashes to ashes, and what is clay - or a man - but ashes?
Note however, how each figure is unique in pose and expression, and the fine details (like the hair) well worked. After 2000 years, the figures lost their color, but back then, they made a fantastic sight, all painted.
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