Terracotta Army Facts

Who Built the Terracotta Warriors?

Emperor Qin Shihuang (259 - 210BC), the first emperor of China, commanded the construction of the grand Terracotta Army to guard him in his afterlife after he ascended the throne. The prime minister Li Si at that time was the designer of this grand construction, and the senior general Zhang Han was nominated as the supervisor in charge. Workers included artisans from central government workshops, potters from folk workshops, as well as some unknown potters. 
Who Built the Terracotta Warriors
Who Built the Terracotta WarriorsBuilders of Terracotta Warriors
 

Workers Who Built the Terracotta Warriors

Kneeling archer, Qin terra cotta warriors
An Exquisite Terracotta Warrior

During the excavation and repair work on the terracotta warriors, experts discovered about 80 recognizable names carved or stamped on these figures. They were found hidden in such places as the hips or under the arms of the terracotta warrior statues. Related researches have shown that the names belong to workers who built the terracotta warriors.

Generally, the recognized 80 names or so can be divided into three types: names beginning with the Chinese character “宫 (gong)”, “右 (you)” or “大 (da)” belong to those who work for government agency; names with geographical location prefixes show that the workers are collected from various regions across the country; and the remaining names without any prefix or postfix are categorized into the unknown workers. 

Some names with the geographical location prefixes including Xianyang, Yueyang, and Linjin can prove that the Qin Government recruited countless skilled artisans from all parts of the country. They not only came from Shaanxi, where the warriors were discovered, but also from today's Henan, Hubei, Shandong and Shanxi Provinces. The number of the names carved with Xianyang is the greatest. It is concluded that Xianyang provided plenty of outstanding potters for the construction of Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum.

 

Different Terracotta Warriors Made by Governmental & Folk Workers

If you look carefully, you will see that the warriors created by the artisans from the central government look dignified and majestic; the figures carved by the folk artisans look lively and fresh, which is greatly related to their life experience and living environment. Also, the technical skill level is reflected in the appearance of the warrior figures. Generally speaking, the artistic skill of the artisans from the central government is higher than that of the folk ones.
 

How Many Workers Built the Terracotta Warriors? 

Statues of Work Scene
Statues of Work Scene

All in all, almost 720,000 workers were involved in the construction of Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, about 8 times of those who built the Pyramid of Khufu. The exact number of those involved in the making of terracotta army is unknown; but it should not be a small number based on the scale of the project. 
 

Sorrowful Ending of the Workers Who Built the Terracotta Warriors

Even though the technical skills of all the artisans were excellent, and their contribution to the construction of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum was incalculable, their fate was sealed. After the death of the Emperor Qin Shihuang, Hu Hai, the second emperor of Qin, ordered to bury them alive in the tomb passages so that the secret of the mausoleum would not be revealed. The poor artisans became the victims of the death of Emperor Qin Shihuang and have guarded the entrance to his tomb ever since.

 Further Reading:
 Ancient Greek Art Inspired China’s Terracotta Army? Impossible!
What is the Terracotta Army? 10 Things You should Know
Where are the Terracotta Warriors Located?
 Why was the Terracotta Army built?
 When was the Terracotta Army Built?
Why are the Terracotta Warriors Important?
 Who found the Terracotta Warriors?

 Recommended Tour Itinerary:
Terracotta Warriors Tour: One-day to visit Terracotta Army Museum and more
More Xi'an Tours

Next: How the Terracotta Warriors were Made

- Last updated on Jul. 13, 2022 -
Questions & Answers on Who Built the Terracotta Warriors?
Asked by Mrs.K. Parenti from USA | Feb. 13, 2011 04:11Reply
I purchased a terracotta soldier from a private Forbidden City exhibit. His hand is broken off. How do I reattach it? I don't care if it is perfect I just don't want it to fall off againl
Answers (2)
Answered by Ms.Cindy | Feb. 16, 2011 03:04
1914Reply


Use super glue.
Answered by john booth | Jul. 13, 2022 23:56
00Reply


high, you need a good all purpose two part glue, google ceramic glues.
Asked by Ms.T J Griffith from USA | Jan. 26, 2011 16:53Reply
How can I preserve my 3 terra cotta warriors I had shipped from Xi'an. I was told I could use them in the garden. However, the color/finish has worn off, and they need to be stained or treated or colored back to a natural look. Then can I use a varnish over them to protect them from the weather and outdoor use?

Thank you,

T J Griffith
Answers (3)
Answered by Mr.Henry | Jan. 28, 2011 01:07
1321Reply


I think you have to put them in door, since they may be destroyed if placed in the open air even if you use varnish over them as the protection.
Answered by seraphine from AUSTRALIA | Oct. 08, 2014 19:23
78Reply


yes that is a good idea, same thing happened with me!!!
Answered by PantaOz | Aug. 27, 2021 17:35
00Reply


Did you notice that the locals do not keep these warriors in their gardens, in their rooms, on their tables or anywhere where they live. Why? Because these statues are vessels for the dead spirits (they believe) so nobody in the right mind would attract their attention!
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