Rulers in ancient times often felt that they were the descendants of the gods. It is quite convenient for political leaders to claim divinity, since that makes all of their decrees infallible.
While the Roman Emperors sometimes stated that they had descended from the gods on Mount Olympus in Greece, the Chinese Emperors called themselves the "Sons of Heaven." Like the Pharaohs of Egypt, Chinese Emperors built elaborate tombs so that their afterlife would be enjoyable and a place of protection.
One of the greatest Chinese Emperors, Qin Shihuang, (259 B.C.-210 B.C.) constructed one of the most remarkable burial sites in all of history. This now world-famous site contains thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers in battle formation, protecting the grave site of Qin Shihuang. Jane O’Connor tells the account of this archeological discovery in the fascinating book called "The Emperor’s Silent Army."
In the spring of 1974, three farmers begin digging a well in northern China. As they dig down 10 feet or so, they hit something hard. Perplexed, they uncover the area around the object and discover it is a life-size figure of a warrior. Stunned, they immediately go to a local government official and tell him about the find. Soon a group of archeologists arrive in the area and begin unearthing the buried soldier.
Much to their surprise, one soldier leads to another and then to another. Shocked, they begin uncovering hundreds and later thousands of clay soldiers, horses and military officers. All the figures are life-size and carved with great precision and beauty. The faces are not uniform, but look as though the artists used hundreds of different people as models. All the figures are found in three pits, with the first pit being the size of two football fields.
By the time the archeologists have excavated Pit One, they have unearthed more than 6,000 soldiers and horses. The soldiers are in full battle dress and appear to be defending the east, which is the part of China still independent of Qin‘s rule. Within the army, various soldiers such as archers, footmen and cavalry, appear ready for combat. The horses in the army are carefully carved with flaring nostrils, wild eyes and excitable spirits. They are beautiful and fierce, just the type of horses warriors would ride into combat.
As the archeologists discover the other pits, they begin finding more and more warriors, horses and combat weapons. In the field of archeology, the terracotta warriors of ancient China rank in historical importance with the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb.
What else do the archeologists find at this world famous site? How could so many stunning carvings have survived for 2,300 years? Why are they so well preserved? How many millions of visitors come each year to see this amazing site? How do the emperor’s warriors have a direct relationship to the Great Wall of China?
To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this fascinating book, "The Emperor’s Silent Army: Terracotta Warriors of Ancient China," by Jane O’Connor.
This book is extremely interesting and contains a wealth of historical data and compelling photographs and paintings. This book is nonfiction at its best for middle school readers. It is an award winner that will entertain and teach elementary and middle school students about the majesty of ancient China.
I hope you get a chance to encourage your children and grandchildren to read this fine book. I learned a great deal and had fun doing so. I think you will, too. Enjoy!
