Terracotta Warriors

by Edward Burman

Exciting investigations in northwest China are about to reveal more of the mysteries of the huge mausoleum of the Qin Emperor, a portion of which was accidently discovered in 1974 by farmers who were digging a well. The second phase of an international research project began in 2011 and is ongoing. More recently still, promising new excavations began in Pit 2, with exciting fresh discoveries already announced. The Terracotta Warriors seeks to examine one of China’s most famous archaeological discoveries in light of these new findings.


The book begins with the discovery of the terracotta warriors and then tells the history of the Qin Dynasty and as much as is known about the construction of the 3rd century bce mausoleum, based on the work of the historian Sima Qian (145–90 bce). He wrote that the First Emperor was buried with palaces, towers, officials, valuable artifacts, and wondrous objects. According to this account, one hundred flowing rivers were simulated using mercury; the ceiling was decorated with heavenly bodies, high above the features of the land. The new findings and the description of the mausoleum based on the quoted historical accounts suggest that the next discoveries may surpass the size and conception of the original discovery of the terracotta warriors.


In the second part, Edward Burman asks: Who built it and how? He also questions the role of the terracotta warriors, who may be servants and not warriors, and what their function may have been in the afterlife. Finally, he anticipates the ongoing discoveries and describes the new methods of excavation and preservation.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, China, Art, Asia, Archaeology, Art History

279 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Edward Burman nació en Cambridge en 1947.
Graduado en la Universidad de Cambridge, se licenció en Filosofía en la de Leeds.

Después de graduarse, impartió clases en diversas universidades italianas y más tarde trabajó como editor para el gobierno persa. Actualmente dirige una empresa financiera y reside en Pekín.

Entre sus obras destacan Los secretos de la Inquisición y El último templario, ambas grandes éxitos internacionales. Sus novelas se asientan en la historia y cultura europea, con buena documentación y ajuste a la realidad histórica.

Reviews

[Maria V. Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm doing research on the Terracotta Warriors for my Sentinels of the Galaxy book series - I'm currently writing book 3, Defending the Galaxy. Burman's book has lots of information about the history of the First Emperor as well as the warriors. What I liked the most was the chapters on the more recent theories about them - that they might be there more for the emperor's ceremonies in the afterlife than for protection - this book was published in 2018 - most of the other books on this subject are much older. I'm excited that I'm going to see the warriors in Xi'an, China in November!

[Saturday's Child · Rating 2 out of 5]

Parts of this I found interesting, while other parts left me confused with details that I struggled to follow.

[Adysnewbox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giving it four stars for the author's obvious wealth of knowledge & experience with the subject. I have always thought the terra cotta warriors were one of the more interesting archaeological discoveries of the last century, and so I thought I'd enjoy a book on the subject. In the end, I think "enjoy" is a bit of a strong word for my experience with this book. It's clear that the author is an expert on the site, and on the history surrounding it. I was impressed by his lengthy descriptions of the dynastic histories of ancient China, and I enjoyed reading his theories on the purpose and symbolism of the warriors and of ALL the other rooms/artifacts/etc. found at the mausoleum site.

Unfortunately, the WAY in which much of these theories and histories are described can be a bit repetitive and dry. It was often hard for me to follow all the descriptive or historical passages; I often found myself zoning out and/or getting lost and turned around with all the names & dates. I admit that much of this may be my fault; I don't have much previous knowledge of Chinese history (and no knowledge of the language), so it was very hard for me to keep track of the many, many names & places (there were SO MANY "Zhous" in this book, and many of them were unrelated to one another! That's just one example). So, while I think the book is undeniably impressive in terms of scholarship, it's less engaging as a compelling narrative.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burman has written a very comprehensive history and analysis of the period in Chinese history in which these warriors were created. The first section recounts the history preceding the First Emperor, and given how complicated that history is he is to be commended for making it clear as well as detailed. This book was published in 2017; I saw the warriors in 2002 and am impressed with what is now known about their manufacture, paints and dyes, cultural background and the like. Burma relates also various theories about why the warriors were created and how the whole complex so far excavated may be interpreted. He relates also the possible source or transmission of classical Greek art style that the warriors reveal. Finally Burman discusses what possibly lies beneath the central mound and how this information may be discovered through technology. The book is illustrated well with diagrams and photos. A must read before you visit the site.

[Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the print edition of this work.

Although checked out from a public library, the presentation is scholarly. However, the text is concise and to the point.

The terracotta warriors were part of a funerary mausoleum for the emperor Qin Shi Huang. Their accidental discovery has led to future excavations of the site and other pits in the mausoleum area.

History of the time is included as well as the philosophical beliefs surrounding the nature of preparing for the afterlife. These include such ideas as what to include for the journey and how to keep the site secret.

There are several plates of illustrations that add much to the text.

I liked that various theories into the site, e.g. if foreign craftsmen were involved in the construction, were discussed in detail.

This is a good overview of the subject for lay people like myself. I knew about the Terracotta Warriors but nothing about what they were in context of the time or larger site.

[Brian Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

With his impeccable credentials, Edward Burman provides the reader with a fascinating read, with deep insight into the history and purpose of the royal tomb and the Terracotta Warriors.
Although many readers would have some understanding and familiarity with this archeology, the book takes us far deeper into the social and religious framework of the times, examines the past archeological finds, as well as the more recent and fascinating discoveries.
My only criticism, albeit a small one, is that it can be easy to feel somewhat overwhelmed by the many and unfamiliar names, which required a number of chapters to be reread ( by me ) to gain some comprehension of time-frames and relationships.
That being said, a very good and valuable read on this what will continue to be an extraordinary subject.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Terracotta Warriors have a dear spot in my heart.
It was the exhibition in Melbourne at the NGV that we took Dad for his birthday, just before he unexpectedly became ill before passing away.
He always loved history (I've inherited the same obsession) and he has always had a fascination with China, along with this unbelievable discovery.
What had me intrigued was the reproductions using the same techniques, seeing them in vivid colour. Absolutely stunning!
This will be an archeological project that will keep captivating the world for generations.

[Raymonds009 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is the latest in archaeological findings and indications of where the next discoveries are situated. Astounding in its scope and implications in everything from possible links with Alexander The Great's settlements to speculation on what should be expected from future digs. A must read.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry analysis of what we know. Most of it involves the history of the era, which is largely unknown. There is more to come as the majority of the site remains to be excavated. Most interesting fact is that none of the warriors so far recovered were intact. The roof caved in.

[Linus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read on the Terracotta warriors and the Qin Dynasty, as well as the proceeding era of the Warring States. Great updates section on recent archaeological excavations carried out around Qin Shihuangdi´s tomb. Highly recommended to anyone interested in Chinese history and archaeology.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed and up-to-date information about one of the most significant archaeological discoveries. Lots of backstory about the First Emperor.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super helpful for research paper. This is the best terracotta book I read among two other ones

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

An informative history of the Terracotta Warriors.

[Charlotte Manning · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a very readable account of the research into the Terracotta Warriors, but has a very winding and confusing narrative. The author has corresponded with several archaeologists but is not an archaeologist himself, so relies heavily on describing the research from a joint project between MSU and UCL without fully explaining it. He writes as if it is surprising that there would be artefacts in China with mixed cultural influences from the west at this time period, when there have been multiple archaeological examples of trade between the Nomadic peoples at the edges of Chinese territory. He also lingers overlong on a theory that supposes the warriors themselves were inspired by Greek statuary. While statues of that size were not known prior to this period in China, smaller versions were, and the warriors themselves do not resemble Greek ideas of naturalism; they are a distinctly stylised Chinese ideal of the human form. If we were to talk about influence from outside cultures, I would suggest that it would more likely come from peoples such as the Achaemenid Persians, who had a more similar art style. I am surprised that the author does not also put this idea forward.


All in all, this book is readable, up-to-date, and has fantastic illustrations. Just be aware it has a very Western mindset!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

I really enjoyed this very readable account of the history of the tomb of the First Emperor and his Terracotta Warriors, plus the other wonders that have been found on the mausoleum site. I especially liked reading about what might still be under the ground awaiting discovery. Some of the chapters were a bit dense and confusing, but that's mainly because there was a lot of names and dates which I struggle with. I find it hard enough when I'm vaguely familiar with the history involved (military history is not my strong point or one of my particular interests) but as I know almost nothing about the history of China, everything was entirely new to me and it was a lot to take in!

I would recommend reading this book though, even if all you take away from is an appreciation of just how massive the whole thing is. The area the mausoleum covers underground is huge. The amount of warriors is huge. Just everything is over the top and ambitious. I would love to visit it in person one day.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are few please or especially mausoleums in the work that have captured the imagination of the world. Quite like the mausoleum of the China first unifier Qin Shihuang (the first Emperor ) or China. Which was uncovered after being forgotten to history for 2000 years? While work on the site has been going on with archaeology for decides but with every now finds more questions are being asked, and the main mausoleum has not been opened and may not be for decades to come. Yet with archaeologists from all over the world working on the site new discoveries are being made. And anyone who has seen the army or in passing exhibitions around the world. Which are often booked out in advance. This book has the history of the dynasty other mausoleums and the building of the army and the colours they were painted in. A good read but its worth seeing a documentary on you tube about it as well to get an overview.

[Linus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of pre-dynastic, proto-dynastic and early dynastic Chinese history and archaeology, up to the Qin and Han dynasties. The most comprehensive work on the Qin and the Terracotta army in English, recommended for any student of Chinese history!

[Mary Catelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical background, details of the dig, discussion of and speculation about the mysteries -- like, was there some Greek influence in the statuary? (This was after all the time of Alexander the Great, and the Greek influence in Bactria -- that is, in India.)