兵马俑 (bīngmǎyǒng) is a term in Chinese that refers to the Terracotta Army, a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. The Terracotta Army is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
What does 兵马俑 mean?
The term 兵马俑 is a combination of three Chinese characters: 兵 (bīng) meaning soldier, 马 (mǎ) meaning horse, and 俑 (yǒng) meaning funerary figurine. Therefore, 兵马俑 can be translated as “soldier and horse funerary figurines”.
How to say 兵马俑 in English
When translating the term 兵马俑 into English, it is commonly referred to as the “Terracotta Army”. This name accurately describes the collection of terracotta sculptures that were discovered in the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
The significance of the Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army was created to accompany the emperor in the afterlife and protect him in death. The sculptures were buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE and were only discovered in 1974 by local farmers. The army is believed to represent the military might of the Qin Dynasty and showcase the craftsmanship and artistry of ancient China.
Visiting the Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army is located in the city of Xi’an, in the Shaanxi province of China. It is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year. The site consists of three pits containing thousands of terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots, as well as a museum that provides more information about the history and significance of the Terracotta Army.
Conclusion
Overall, the term 兵马俑 translates to the “Terracotta Army” in English and refers to the collection of terracotta sculptures found in the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The Terracotta Army is a remarkable archaeological discovery that offers insight into the military and artistic achievements of ancient China.