GiggleAcademy/Storybook/Mai and the Silent Soldiers

Mai and the Silent Soldiers

Author

Sluvk

Join Mai on an exciting journey to Xi'an, China, where she discovers the incredible Terracotta Army. Learn about the ancient Emperor Qin Shi Huang, how his army was built, and the fascinating details that make each clay soldier unique. This story provides a captivating look into one of history's most amazing archaeological finds.

6 - 10 years old

Story Details

Hello! This is Mai. Today, Mai is traveling to the city of Xi'an in China. She is standing in a giant hall looking down at thousands of life-sized statues made of clay. This is the Terracotta Army, one of the most amazing discoveries in history!

Mai learns that these soldiers were hidden underground for over 2,000 years! They were discovered by accident in 1974 when some farmers were digging a well. They thought they found some old pots, but they actually found a Lost Empire.

The army was built for the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. He wanted a giant army to protect him in the afterlife. He was so powerful that he ordered over 700,000 workers to build his tomb and this incredible clay army.

Mai looks closely at the faces. She is shocked to see that No Two Faces are Alike! Every soldier has a different hairstyle, a different mustache, and even different ears. It is like the artists looked at real people to make each statue.

The army is divided into different groups. There are brave Infantrymen standing in rows, powerful Cavalrymen with their horses, and even skilled Archers who are kneeling as if they are ready to shoot an arrow.

Mai notices the horses. They are also made of terracotta clay! They look very strong and ready to run. The artists even made the horses' manes and tails look realistic, showing how much the Emperor valued his fast animals.

When the soldiers were first made, they weren't gray. They were painted in Bright Colors like red, blue, green, and purple! However, when they were dug up, the air made the old paint fade away almost instantly.

The soldiers carried real Weapons like swords, spears, and crossbows. Even though they are thousands of years old, many of the swords are still very sharp today because they were coated with a special metal that stops rust.

Mai learns that the soldiers were built in "assembly lines." Different workshops made the legs, the arms, and the heads separately. Then, they were glued together with Clay and fired in a hot oven called a kiln to make them hard.

The statues were placed in long Tunnels with brick floors and wooden roofs. The roofs were covered with mats and dirt to keep the army a secret. For centuries, people walked over the ground without knowing what was beneath their feet.

So far, archaeologists have found about 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, and 520 horses! But the Emperor’s actual Tomb is still a mystery. It is hidden under a giant hill and has never been opened because it might be dangerous!

Mai’s journey to the past is finished. She is amazed that people could build such a huge and detailed army so long ago. It shows how much the Emperor wanted to be remembered forever. If you were a clay artist, what kind of hat would you give your soldier?

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