Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Army Quiz

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Questions and Answers

How many terracotta figures have archaeologists excavated so far?

About 800

About 8,000

About 5,000

About 1,900 (correct)

What innovation rivals even modern technologies?

The size of the army

The use of crossbows (correct)

The location of the tomb

The number of colors used

What is significant about the excavation site beyond the terracotta army itself?

It has mass graves of the builders (correct)

It was a famous battlefield

It contains a large ancient library

It features a modern city underneath

What is the estimated area of the complex where the terracotta army is located?

21 square miles Signup and view all the answers

What additional figures, besides warriors, are believed to be buried with the terracotta army?

Musicians and acrobats Signup and view all the answers

How long have archaeologists been working on excavating the terracotta army?

40 years Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the terracotta army figures in terms of their construction?

They are made from seven main parts Signup and view all the answers

What is the height of the emperor's tomb mound before any alterations?

350 feet Signup and view all the answers

What material were the terracotta warriors primarily made from?

Local clay Signup and view all the answers

What was found along with the emperor's coffins according to the description given?

Horse skeletons Signup and view all the answers

What were the two half-size chariots made up of?

Over 3,400 parts Signup and view all the answers

What technique was used to create the torsos of the terracotta warriors?

Coiling clay in layers Signup and view all the answers

What additional figures were mentioned to be found alongside the terracotta warriors?

Musicians and acrobats Signup and view all the answers

What role did the terracotta warriors serve in relation to the emperor in the afterlife?

To protect him Signup and view all the answers

How was the clay for the terracotta warriors initially shaped?

Pressed into molds Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic mentioned about the faces of the terracotta warriors?

Different facial hair and styles Signup and view all the answers

What technique is being used to create 3D models of the terracotta figures?

Photogrammetry Signup and view all the answers

How heavy is an average terracotta warrior estimated to be?

200 kilos Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature did the creation of the warriors showcase about the craftsmen?

Their skill and dedication Signup and view all the answers

What might have been a reason for the creation of the terracotta army?

To protect against vengeful spirits Signup and view all the answers

What is one way scientists are determining if the terracotta warriors are individuals?

Examining ear shapes Signup and view all the answers

What period did the creation of the terracotta army occur?

The Warring States Period Signup and view all the answers

What major event happened in 1974 related to the terracotta army?

The farmers discovered the terracotta army Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the father of Chinese history?

Sima Qian Signup and view all the answers

What was Qin Shi Huang's obsession that might explain the motivation behind building his vast tomb?

Achieving immortality Signup and view all the answers

What evidence did scientists use to date the terracotta warriors?

Charcoal and clay Signup and view all the answers

What did the ancient Chinese saying 'treat death like birth' imply?

Life continues in the afterlife Signup and view all the answers

What remarkable feature distinguishes the terracotta soldiers?

They have unique facial expressions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Qin Shi Huang's reputation?

He was a cruel tyrant Signup and view all the answers

What does the statement 'Qin Empire gave its name to China' imply?

The name 'China' comes from the Qin Dynasty Signup and view all the answers

What elements were found among the terracotta warriors?

Artifacts including weapons and horses Signup and view all the answers

How long did it take to build the terracotta army?

37 years Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason for the initial disbelief about the significance of the discovery?

The farmers thought it was just a pot Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sites has only been partially excavated?

Pit 2 Signup and view all the answers

What was a challenge faced by the creators of the terracotta army?

Orchestrating large manpower and resources Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of bright pigments on the terracotta army suggest about their original appearance?

They were originally highly decorated and colorful. Signup and view all the answers

What innovative technique does Janice Li use to analyze the ancient weapons without damaging them?

Silicon molds followed by a scanning electron microscope. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that the weapons of the terracotta army were not used in battle?

They show no signs of battle wear. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the halberd in the Qin army?

To defend against cavalry. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of machine was used for sharpening the weapons of the terracotta army?

A rotary lathe. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Chinese crossbow evolve to enhance battlefield effectiveness?

By simplifying its design for ease of use. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the crossbow trigger play in the effectiveness of the weapon?

It ensured precise alignment of components. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of the halberd contributed to both offense and defense?

The transverse bar for stabilization. Signup and view all the answers

What method did the ancient Chinese use to mass-produce crossbows?

Standardized forms for interchangeable parts. Signup and view all the answers

What did the presence of 40,000 arrowheads suggest about the operational capacity of the Qin army?

They were prepared for mass combat. Signup and view all the answers

What significant advancement in historiography is noted regarding the terracotta army's weapons?

The industrial-scale sharpening of weapons. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the bronze weapons's edges showing no signs of combat damage significant?

They prove the weapons were newly made and not used. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following weapons was not mentioned as part of the Qin army's armament?

Muskets. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the crossbow's trigger reflects advanced engineering for its time?

Its cast bronze design with standardized parts. Signup and view all the answers

What material were the majority of the terracotta army's weapons primarily made from?

Bronze Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of tin does the tang of the arrow contain?

3% Signup and view all the answers

What type of armor must the arrows defeat to be effective?

Lamellar armor Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is being used for determining the chemical composition of the arrowheads?

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy Signup and view all the answers

What effect does increased tin content have on an arrowhead?

Increases its hardness Signup and view all the answers

What unique ability did the crossbow give to the Qin army?

The ability to learn to use it in less than two minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the arrow is designed to be flexible and less likely to snap?

The tang Signup and view all the answers

How did the Qin army manage to conquer its rivals?

Superior weaponry and organization Signup and view all the answers

What record describes the aftermath of the Qin dynasty under its first emperor?

The burning of all books Signup and view all the answers

What does the discovery of the two different bronze alloys reveal about Qin's production skills?

They had impressive technical sophistication. Signup and view all the answers

How did Mike Loades test the power of the replica arrows?

Against ballistic gel and armor Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of the crossbow used by the Qin over later European versions?

It was quicker to load and fire. Signup and view all the answers

What was the function of the 'tang' in the arrow assembly?

To connect the arrowhead to the shaft Signup and view all the answers

What quantity of arrowheads was excavated from the pits?

Over 40,000 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason many workers were forced to labor in the Qin empire?

They owed debts to the government Signup and view all the answers

How were the workers organized in the production of weapons and terracotta figures?

In cells led by master craftsmen Signup and view all the answers

What was one method employed for quality control among the craftsmen?

Recording names on the weapons Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of the Qin workforce contributed to their ability to produce various weapons quickly?

They were trained to be versatile in production Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'legalism' refer to in the context of the Qin dynasty?

The belief in strict laws and harsh punishments Signup and view all the answers

What role did fear play in the Qin system of governance?

It ensured high standards of workmanship Signup and view all the answers

What evidence was discovered that reveals how the organization worked in the production of weapons?

Inscriptions on the weapons themselves Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence for minor workmanship errors under the Qin system?

They could lead to severe punishments, including execution Signup and view all the answers

What type of workers assisted skilled artisans in the creation of the terracotta warriors?

Slaves and conscripted laborers Signup and view all the answers

How did Janice Li contribute to the understanding of the armaments found?

Through meticulous plotting and analysis Signup and view all the answers

What societal structure was emphasized under the Qin dynasty according to Sima Qian?

Small groups responsible for each other's behavior Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of the relationship between worker cells and their production?

Cells collaborated in creating a range of products Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'vicious, brutal society' imply about the Qin period?

Fear and punishment dominated social interactions Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the Qin legal system made the society so controlling?

The punishment of groups for individual crimes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Qin Shi Huang's Ghost Army

The Terracotta Army is an army of almost 8,000 warriors made of terracotta.
The army was created over 2,000 years ago by Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China
The army was built in three pits.
The army stands guard between the emperor's grave and the states he subjugated to the east.
The army was discovered by farmers in 1974 while digging a well.
The site is believed to be over 21 square miles.
The figures are intricately detailed and each figure weighs 300 to 400 pounds.
Archeologists believe the army was created around 2200 years ago.
The Terracotta Army was built in a short period, about 37 years.
Each figure is made from seven main parts
The figures were all crafted from local clay.
The figures were originally painted
Each figure was individually made.
Each figure has a different face and hairstyle
the weapons in the Terracotta Army are made of bronze and were created with sharpened blades, possibly with a rotary lathe.
The terracotta army was used to represent a real functioning army and was not made for symbolic purposes.
The crossbows in the terracotta army were sophisticated, mass-produced, with parts made to fit precisely
The crossbows used a bronze trigger, which was a complex engineering piece.
The terracotta army was created to protect Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.
Qin Shi Huang ruled over a vast empire that was the size of the Roman Empire.
Qin Shi Huang was ruthless and is referred to as the first emperor of China.
Qin Shi Huang's tomb has yet to be excavated.
The emperor believed he could carry on his life in the underground kingdom, and brought all the things he needed with him.
The tomb contains other things and figurines, like birds, horses, musicians, acrobats and even members of the emperor's court
The tomb appears to be an entire eternal pleasure palace.

The Qin Dynasty’s Military Innovation: The Crossbow

The Qin’s crossbow, an ingenious weapon, was made with standardized, interchangeable bronze components.
The crossbow’s trigger could lock and release the stored energy of the bow, making it a powerful weapon.
The crossbow’s arrowheads were made of two bronze alloys: a harder alloy for the tip and a more flexible alloy for the tang that connected it to the shaft.
The Qin’s crossbow design was ahead of its time, surpassing the power of European crossbows by over 1,500 years.

The Terracotta Army: A Massive Undertaking

The Terracotta Army was built by thousands of laborers, including women and children.
Workers were often forced to work as punishment for debts or other offenses.
The army’s production was highly organized and efficient, with specialized cells of workers supervised by master craftsmen.
Workers were required to sign their names on their creations, ensuring that every part of the Terracotta Army met quality standards.

Qin’s System of Control and Legalism

The Qin’s system of control, known as “legalism,” prioritized efficiency and order.
Qin society was organized into small groups, each responsible for reporting any crimes committed by their members.
Incompetence was considered a crime, and punishments for not meeting workmanship standards could be severe.
The Qin’s emphasis on quality control and strict supervision contributed to the creation of the Terracotta Army and the establishment of the first unified empire.

Legacy of the Qin

The Qin dynasty’s legacy includes the first unified empire of China, the early stages of the Great Wall, intercity highways, and irrigation systems.
The terracotta army stands as a monument to the ingenuity, ruthlessness, and advanced manufacturing techniques of the Qin.
The terracotta army provides insights into the social and economic structures of the Qin, highlighting the impact of forced labor and a highly organized system of production.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fascinating Terracotta Army created by Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. This quiz covers its history, discovery, craftsmanship, and the details that make each warrior unique. Discover more about this ancient wonder and its significance in Chinese history.