How Do You Spell TERRACOTTA ARMY?

Pronunciation: [tˈɛɹɐkˌɒtəɹ ˈɑːmi] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word describing the ancient Chinese army of clay soldiers is "terracotta army." In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /tɛrəˈkɒtə ˈɑːrmi/. This word is made up of two parts: "terracotta," which refers to the fired clay used to create the statues, and "army," which describes their purpose as a military force. The spelling of "terracotta" can be tricky because it contains a double "r" and double "c," but it is essential to accurately describe this famous archaeological site.

TERRACOTTA ARMY Meaning and Definition

1. The Terracotta Army refers to an immense assemblage of life-sized clay sculptures that were discovered in 1974 near the city of Xi'an in Shaanxi province, China. This monumental collection is believed to have been buried alongside the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, by his orders after his death in 210 BCE. The Terracotta Army comprises thousands of individual figures, comprising soldiers, chariots, horses, and various other military personnel.

   These remarkable sculptures were meticulously crafted with distinctive facial features, hairstyles, and attire, making each figure unique. Fueled by the emperor's desire to be accompanied and protected in the afterlife, they were intended to serve as his personal guardians.

   The Terracotta Army reflects the realistic style of the time with unparalleled precision and intricate details, representing an exceptional archaeological discovery of great historical, artistic, and cultural value. This site has provided scholars with invaluable information about ancient Chinese military and social practices.

   Since its discovery, the Terracotta Army has become a renowned tourist attraction and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands as a testament to the advanced craftsmanship and architectural ingenuity of the Qin dynasty, while also demonstrating the emperor's pursuit of immortality and protection in the afterlife. The Terracotta Army serves as a remarkable window into the ancient Chinese civilization, allowing visitors to witness a significant chapter in human history and marvel at the grandiose scale of the burial complex.

Etymology of TERRACOTTA ARMY

The word "terracotta army" is derived from two main terms: "terracotta" and "army".

"Terracotta" originates from the Italian words "terra" meaning "earth" or "clay" and "cotta" meaning "cooked" or "baked". It refers to a type of fired clay used for pottery and architectural purposes.

"Army" is derived from the Latin "arma", which means "arms" or "weapons". It refers to a large organized group of armed individuals.

When combined, "terracotta army" refers to the vast collection of life-sized clay soldier sculptures discovered in the mausoleum of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. These sculptures were created to accompany the emperor in the afterlife, hence the term "army".