Unit 3: Worksheet ______
Name:________________________
Eastern Civilizations: Period: ________
Date:____________
Ms. Didyoung
Emperor Shi Huangdi and the Terracotta Warriors
Directions: Watch the following video clip: “Tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi: The Terracotta
Soldiers” and answer the questions below.
1. Why could Shi Huangdi’s tomb be so important to ancient Chinese history?
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2. What is said that may be found in his tomb?
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3. Why haven’t archeologists excavated Shi Huangdi’s tomb?
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4. What did archeologists uncover?
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5. Describe the characteristic of the terra cotta army.
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Unit 3: Worksheet ______
More Soldiers in the Terracotta Army
An army of clay soldiers stands guard near the Chinese city of Xian (pronounced SHEE-AHN).
Day and night, for more than 2,000 years, these soldiers have kept watch over the tomb of Shi
Huangdi -- the first emperor of the Qin dynasty and the unifier of China. Recently,
archaeologists uncovered more of these ancient clay statues.
Shi Huangdi was only 13 years old when he came to power. He ruled from 221 B.C. until 207
B.C. No sooner did he become emperor, than he began preparing for his death. He ordered more
than 700,000 workers to build his underground tomb.
The grandest tomb of any emperor, it stood more than 15 stories high and covered about three
acres. To surround the tomb, artists fashioned a clay army of thousands of soldiers, horses, and
chariots. Just as Shi Huangdi's real army protected the emperor in life, his clay army was to
guard him death.
Each clay figure was made one at a time. No molds were used. Each soldier had a different
face, probably the likeness of a real soldier. Each was made slightly larger than the real person.
Some of the soldiers carried real spears and swords.
In 1974, archaeologists first discovered the standing clay soldiers buried underground. They
unearthed 6,000 soldiers, horses and chariots. They thought the burial ground covered about
five and one-half acres. Recent findings indicate that Shi Huangdi's burial ground is much
bigger. The tomb may spread over 20 square miles (32 square km)!So far, two pits have been
excavated around the tomb. The third and most recently discovered pit contains 86 soldiers and
chariots with 44 terra cotta horses. Unlike the standing army discovered earlier, these soldiers
ride in chariots, lead horses, or kneel to shoot arrows. No one knows how many more soldiers
remain.
Unit 3: Worksheet ______
Archaeologists believe the main tomb of Shi Huangdi will contain many treasures. They have
not yet explored the tomb because they do not have enough money. The Chinese government
does not support this project. In addition to searching for clay statues, scientists must find
money for their work. The scientists will also need great skill to preserve the many artifacts they
hope to find. The artifacts will tell much about life in ancient China.
It may take many more years to unearth all the treasures at this site. Some expect to find
ceilings studded with pearls. Others warn of booby traps. According to legend, Shi Huangdi
ordered crossbows set up inside the tomb. They were to fire arrows at any intruders who dared to
enter.
6. Explain the significance of Shi Huangdi to ancient Chinese history.
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7. Describe Shi Huangdi’s tomb.
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8. What have archeologists uncovered in the tomb? Why haven’t they been able to excavate all
of the tomb?
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Unit 3: Worksheet ______
Terracotta Warrior Response
Question: You have read a website entry and watched a video describing the Terracotta
army. Write a response that analyzes why archaeologists want to uncover Shi Huangdi’s
entire clay army and what historians might learn by studying this huge burial ground. You
must use both sources of information and remember to use textual evidence to support your
ideas.
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Unit 3: Worksheet ______
Emperor Shi Huangdi and the Terracotta Warriors- Answer Key
1. Why could Shi Huangdi’s tomb be so important to ancient Chinese history?
It could tell historians answers about Shi Huangdi as well as why he built the Great Wall.
2. What is said that may be found in his tomb?
Copper walls and roofs, diamonds and pearls (to represent heaven), silver and gold ducks and
geese, mercury rivers, and jade foliage.
3. Why haven’t archeologists excavated Shi Huangdi’s tomb?
Mostly because of fear. The tomb is said to be filled with traps and archeologists are not sure
how to enter. They also have a fear because of the belief in unseen spirits and are
superstitious.
4. What did archeologists uncover?
They uncovered an entire underground army of thousands of men (foot soldiers), archers,
cavalry, wooden arrows (that disintegrated), bronze arrow heads, bronze chariots. These
soldiers are life size even though the chariots are smaller.
5. Describe the characteristic of the terra cotta army.
All ranks are portrayed, there are 6,000 soldiers in the pits, they all have different faces,
dozen or so different colors but much was lost once unearthed from the sun.
6. Explain the significance of Shi Huangdi to ancient Chinese history.
Shi Huangd was the first emperor of the Qin dynasty and the unifier of China. Shi Huangdi
was only 13 years old when he came to power. He ruled from 221 B.C. until 207 B.C. No
sooner did he become emperor, than he began preparing for his death. He ordered more than
700,000 workers to build his underground tomb.
7. Describe Shi Huangdi’s tomb.
It is 15 stories high and covered about three acres. To surround the tomb, artists fashioned a
clay army of thousands of soldiers, horses, and chariots. Just as Shi Huangdi's real army
protected the emperor in life, his clay army was to guard him death.
8. What have archeologists uncovered in the tomb? Why haven’t they been able to excavate
all of the tomb?
Each clay figure was made one at a time. No molds were used. Each soldier had a different
face, probably the likeness of a real soldier. Each was made slightly larger than the real
person. Some of the soldiers carried real spears and swords. They unearthed 6,000 soldiers,
horses and chariots. They have not yet explored the tomb because they do not have enough
money. The Chinese government does not support this project. In addition to searching for
clay statues, scientists must find money for their work. The scientists will also need great skill
to preserve the many artifacts they hope to find.
Unit 3: Worksheet ______