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Secrets of the Terracotta Army: Tomb of an Ancient Chinese Emperor
Dig through the fields of the far East to unearth the huge clay army of China's first emperor. Why were the thousands of life sized statues built? How were they designed with such intricate detail? Travel along with scientists to find out how the Terracotta Armys discovery sheds light on mysteries from ancient China. Unlocking the secrets of the past is just an artifact away!
33 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 30, 2022
Short and interesting
December 11, 2025
This was an interesting and entertaining book on Chinese archaeology for young readers.
November 29, 2014
The life-sized Terracotta Army, a huge life-sized clay army of China’s first emperor, was an unforgettable archeological discovery. Scientists immediately began to examine the thousands of intricately-detailed statues to shed light on mysteries from Ancient China. Capek shares how scientists unlocked the secrets of the past through exacting examination of these amazing artifacts.
Since their discovery in 1974 about 2,000 Terracotta warriors have been reassembled. The rest are still in pieces or lie buried. Experts believe about 8,000 unique Terracotta warriors may once have stood in the pits. These warriors guarded the tomb of Qin Shi Hungdi, the first emperor of China, who ruled more than 2,000 years ago. The emperor’s tomb covered more than 30 square miles and provides an amazing opportunity to learn about life in ancient times.
Capek provides a description of the discovery of the “Spirit City,” so long hidden from the world. From the finds, scientists learned how advanced the ancient Chinese were in making metal weapons. While the statues were looted, the emperor’s tomb, even after the step-pyramid tomb was located, remains undisturbed. This may be due to the Chinese reverence for ancestors, or historians’ claims that the tomb is booby-trapped . Sophisticated technology permits scientists to see what is underground without disturbing the sites by digging.
Crane includes resources for further reading, questions to prompt critical thinking, a short glossary, and a concise index to assist student researchers. The text is a good source of basic information about the Terracotta Army and is enhanced by photographs (that would benefit from a less drab presentation).
Since their discovery in 1974 about 2,000 Terracotta warriors have been reassembled. The rest are still in pieces or lie buried. Experts believe about 8,000 unique Terracotta warriors may once have stood in the pits. These warriors guarded the tomb of Qin Shi Hungdi, the first emperor of China, who ruled more than 2,000 years ago. The emperor’s tomb covered more than 30 square miles and provides an amazing opportunity to learn about life in ancient times.
Capek provides a description of the discovery of the “Spirit City,” so long hidden from the world. From the finds, scientists learned how advanced the ancient Chinese were in making metal weapons. While the statues were looted, the emperor’s tomb, even after the step-pyramid tomb was located, remains undisturbed. This may be due to the Chinese reverence for ancestors, or historians’ claims that the tomb is booby-trapped . Sophisticated technology permits scientists to see what is underground without disturbing the sites by digging.
Crane includes resources for further reading, questions to prompt critical thinking, a short glossary, and a concise index to assist student researchers. The text is a good source of basic information about the Terracotta Army and is enhanced by photographs (that would benefit from a less drab presentation).
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews