Although Qin Shi Huang Di ruled ruthlessley, often with barbaric methods, he was also a leader with remarkable foresight and talent. His list of achievements are long. He declared a unified code of law, standardized currency, weights and measures and was concerned about such incidental details as standard widths of wagon and chariot axles. In spite of his power and success, he was victim of several asassination attemps and lived his life in fear. Obsessed with immortaility, Qin Shi Huang Di put to work as many as 720,000 laborers for 39 years to build a subterranean palace were he could spend eternity. The mausoleum, the largest imperial tomb in China, covered over 56 square km. The complex was said to have a flowing river of mercury, jewels and other treasures buried within, along with traps such as trigger releasing arrows. Unfortunately little remains of the tomb itself, however the most dramatic find was to be found outside the walls. When the Emperor was laid to rest, he had an army of over 6000 warriors to accompany him. These soldiers are of course the famous Terra Cotta Warriors. Each a life sized statue totally unique. The entourage included infantryman, archers, warriors in full armor, generals, along with teams of horses and chariots. Though their wooden weapons have long since deteriorated, the 6,000 warriors of Qin Shi Huang Di's army remain one of the most awe inspiring sights in the world today. |
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