Terracotta Army and Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

Author: Wu Yongqi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: On March 29, 1974, when a farmer's iron hoe unveiled the mystery of the Terracotta Army, they might not have known that the task of fully revealing the great miracle created by our ancestors would weigh heavily on the shoulders of archaeologists. On December 11, 1987, the World Heritage Committee under UNESCO, in the minutes of the meeting discussing the inclusion of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor on the World Heritage List, specially noted: "The Steering Committee is aware that the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is one of the world's largest archaeological reserves." The archaeological work of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor will be long-term, requiring the arduous efforts of several generations and hundreds of years. Thirty years have passed, and with the gradual departure of the older generation of archaeologists, new archaeological team members have continuously joined. The sound of trowels and brushes rubbing against the soil has never ceased. Until now, archaeological work on the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and the Terracotta Army pits has continued. This book showcases the arduous scenes of archaeology and tells fascinating stories that are enviable. The beautiful natural scenery, mystical feng shui of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, magnificent layout of the mausoleum, and moving stories of the imperial palace all evoke endless longing. The grand scale of the Terracotta Army pits, the majestic and spectacular military formations, the rich diversity of images, and the unsolved mysteries all inspire admiration and fascination. This book reveals the qualifications of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and the Terracotta Army as a World Heritage site, narrates the origin of the Terracotta Army being hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," and tells the legendary stories of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. At the same time, it also interweaves the achievements of archaeologists, cultural relic preservation personnel, and historical researchers over the years in the excavation, clearing, preservation, restoration, and research of cultural heritage, as well as the difficulties encountered in current heritage management and protection work and future plans. In this book, you will learn about the massive mausoleum built over 38 years, the rigorously planned accompanying burial pits, the world-shocking Eighth Wonder, the yet-to-be-solved astonishing mysteries, the ever-renewing field of archaeology, and the innovative model of excavation and exhibition. You can also enjoy a distant view of 120 precious photographs to deepen your intuitive impression of the Terracotta Army of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.