Analysis of Terracotta Army - Research Paper Example

Terracotta Army Introduction The history of humanity is very complex and requires important archeological artifacts for detailed and accurate description. The artifacts that remained in historic and pre historic human settlements undoubtedly play an imperative role in providing factual information regarding the way of life of the respective communities. Through these, archeologists understand and appreciate the different facets of human existence. Certainly, the archeological process is very complex and requires careful analysis of any matter that is unearthed. To a great extent, proper handling of the particular archeological artifacts enhances the quality of the relative information that is documented. Perhaps the most important aspect of the archeological process pertains to the cultural importance that is placed on the particular artifacts. Equally important are the social, economic and environmental deductions that are derived from the process. These offer useful insights regarding how the past is related to the present. It is against this background that this paper provides an in depth evaluation of the Terracotta Army archeological artifacts. Description of Terracotta Army The artifacts are contained in three pits and so far, documented evidence indicates that up to 7000 warriors and weapons have been excavated by the archeologists. The artifacts contain foot soldiers and war chariots that are made from wood. Foot soldiers are basically life like figures that resemble human soldiers. In his study, Dillon indicates that the size of each warrior is approximately 1.8 meters (Dillon 43). Further, they are characterized by broad foreheads and thick lipped mouths. A significant percentage of these have ornate hairstyles. Nonetheless, they generally show a distinct dedication and determination in their duties. This is because their eyes are directly focused ahead into some distance. The soldiers are also presented to be in a fighting position. Their positions are realistic and their eyes very bright. They have wide nostrils and muscular yet very strong legs. These attributes imply that the horses were well maintained and relatively serviceable. It cannot be disputed that this particular population invested a significant percentage of resources in war. This also implies that the communities surrounding the region were hostile and equally invested in different wars in social security. The position of their hips and legs imply that they are ready to gallop. Notably, the artifacts show that there were two different types of soldiers; the artillery and infantry. The artillery soldiers are presented dressed in knee length tunics and short trousers. In addition, they carry cross bows with them, ready to engage in a fight at any time. Seemingly, their uniforms were made from light materials, enabling them to move around with ease. Under battle conditions, these soldiers would probably be dispatched to engage in fighting at any time. The infantry faction on the other hand was heavily armored. In particular, they were presented while carrying swords. With respect to the mode of dress, Dillon cites that they wore shin guards and caps in addition to their normal uniform (Dillon 77). Comparatively, they were also taller than their counterparts. With regard to the weapons that the Terracotta army employed in the war, a significant 11,000 bronze weapons were reportedly discovered by the archeologists. In this respect, each of the warriors that were discovered was armed with a particular type of weapon that was characteristic of that specific time. Seemingly, a significant percentage of perishable materials had vanished. Nonetheless, abundance of spear heads, bronze arrow heads and axe heads were discovered. Certainly, these imply that the soldiers were heavily armed. Other weapons of war that were discovered at this time included daggers and swords (Kinoshita 61). Analysis of the Terracotta War Artifacts At this point, it can be contended that the Terracotta war artifacts are complex and underscore various social, economic and cultural aspects of the then population. To begin with, the mere discovery of the army implies that the community engaged in certain wars or conflicts. They extend of the wars was great because of the fact that the respective armies are heavily armed. Alternatively, this could be an indication that the particular faction of the community assumed leadership position in the society. Only then would it be able to have sufficient resources to furnish its army. In this regard, it is worth appreciating that traditional communities measured power using the amount of wealth that an individual had. Thus the wealthy were more powerful than their poor counterparts. Comparatively, the wealthy also had huge quantities of wealth that enabled them to assume superior positions in the society. With this power, they had the authority over most of the resources and employed the same in further empowering themselves in different ways. This information is very important and it indicates that just like modern communities, traditional populations placed great emphasis on the aspect of security. The bronze weapons imply that this population had embraced technological advances as opposed to its counterparts. Seemingly, most of the metallic weapons were cast to assume distinctive shapes. This shows that this population was practicing smelting at this point in time. Undoubtedly, the community used these technological advancements to develop weapons that it employed during wars, battles and other conflicting situations. Seemingly, it incorporated some degree of art too. Further, the weapons that were produced had different shapes. This was important because it enabled the users to handle the weapons with utmost ease. In this respect, it is worth acknowledging that the success of any given army in a war or battle is greatly depended on the type and effectiveness of the weapon employed by the respective army. Sophisticated weapons tend to be more effective in fighting than their crude counterparts. Also worth mentioning is the quality and sophistication of the particular weapons. In his research, Debainne-Franyort ascertains that the particular swords had double edged blades (Debainne-Franyort 33). This is another technological attribute that indicated that the particular population was far much advanced than its counterparts. Thus in addition to the unique design of the weapons, the characteristic sharpness enhanced their effectiveness during war. This ensured that they won the battles. To a great extent, this can be used to explain why the population asserted its superior position in the then society. Historical evidence ascertains that it was a dynasty that lasted for a significant period of time. It assumed important leadership positions in the society and had control over huge quantities of wealth. Wealth in this regard is defined by both the material and intellectual resources that it employed to meet its goals and objectives. Emergent researches have indicated that the components that were included in the bronze artifacts were very unique. According to the relative reports, the smelting process was based on concrete scientific facts that were largely unknown at that particular time. Arguably, this shows that the community had various experts that provided useful information upon which important decisions were based. Scientific concepts that are related to the smelting process are currently employed in modern day technological development. Seemingly, this shows that the community embraced modern technological principles at very early stages. The Terracotta army also underscores various cultural values, beliefs and virtues that this particular community held in high regard. In this regard, historical evidence indicates that one of the reasons that informed the formulation of this army pertained to the need for the party to provide protection and security after the death of their king. This can be used to explain why the king built underground tombs and required that the army men enter and live therein upon his death. Notably, he also ensured that the tombs had similar living conditions like those that he had while he was alive. This implies that he wanted to live a fulfilling and satisfying life after his death. Of great importance however is the recognition that this community believed in life after death. Certainly, it appreciated and acknowledged the influence of the Higher Power in its life. In essence, it believed that life did not end on earth but rather continued in the world of the spirits. Notably, the community also believed that there was a direct connection between the current and future living conditions. Thus they took practical steps to safeguard the wellbeing of their future. In this case, the king accumulated wealth and hid it underground in the tomb that he was to be buried. In this case, he believed that the tomb would be his future home and thus needed to be reflective of his lifestyle expectations. Importance of the Terracotta Army At this juncture, it is certain that the Terracotta army is not only informative, but it is also insightful and inspiring. It provides useful insights about the social, economic and cultural aspects of the community under review. Various lessons can be learnt from the respective information. This is particularly so because the community is presented to be technologically advanced and very successful. To begin with, the information related to the technological advancements of the populations can be used to inform current scientific principles. In an era that is characterized by limited natural resource base, exploring such scientific principles at length can be instrumental in addressing the emergent problems in a sustainable manner. In addition, such information can be employed in enhancing economic growth and development. This can be attained if the then approaches are improved on to be consistent with the needs and expectations of the society. One of the leadership attributes that emerges from this practice is the visionary nature of the emperor. Seemingly, he had great plans for his future and took practical steps to ensure that relative goals are made. Reportedly, he put his laborers at task of building him a kind of castle that he would enjoy living in after his death. Although this can to some extent be considered to be a high degree of self centeredness, it clearly shows that the emperor placed great emphasis on his future. It can be argued that he also believed that his laborers would assume similar positions in the after death life. Thus his intentions were free of malice and geared towards enhancing and sustaining the holistic wellbeing of his people. Historical evidence indicates that subsequent populations benefited significantly from the visionary nature of this community. The emperor also employed insightful and radical policies in administration. Notably, he used a uniform monetary system and had a central administrative system. From an economic point of view, historical evidence shows that the emperor encouraged Agricultural production and constructed roads in a bid to ease transport and communication. In its effort to sustain an upward economic growth, China borrowed heavily from the relative leadership principles. In the modern society, this has given the country a competitive advantage. In this respect, economic trends indicate that the country’s growth is upward. Its gross domestic product is stable and currently, it is competing with the world’s super powers such as America. This trend is desirable and likewise, other nations can benefit significantly from it. Conclusion In sum, the Terracotta Army artifacts are important in informing current day decisions. As it has come out from the study, the artifacts provide vital information about the cultural and economic wellbeing of this historical society. They underscore the technological advancements that the society used to empower itself. The artifacts also highlight the social experiences that the then community went through. This information is very important because through it, one is able to understand and appreciate the decisions made by this society. The information provided is also educating and interesting. Important deductions pertaining to modes of economic development can be derived from it. Also worth appreciating are the leadership principles that informed the relative decision making. These enabled the society to address its challenges and safeguard its then and future welfare. Current societies such as China have reportedly benefited from these principles. Likewise, other countries can equally benefit from them in their efforts to sustain economic growth and development. Works Cited Debainne-Francfort Corrine. The search for ancient China. Discoveries. New York: Harry N Abrams, 1999. Print. Dillon Michael. China: A historical and cultural dictionary. Richmond Surrey: Curzon, 1998. Print. Kinoshita Hiromi. The first emperor: China’s Terracotta army. London: British Museum, 2000. Print. Read More