Past Exhibitions
The Warrior Emperor and China's Terracotta Army
Closed
June 26, 2010 to January 2, 2011
In 1974, farmers in northern China accidentally unearthed fragments of a terracotta figure - the first evidence of what would turn out to be one of the greatest archaeological finds in history. The terracotta army pits of the Warrior Emperor Ying Zheng.
The Warrior Emperor and China's Terracotta Army premieres at the ROM and runs until January 2, 2011. The exhibition showcases artifacts from the tomb complex of China's First Emperor - the largest tomb complex in China, and possibly the world.
Buried 2,200 years ago in what is now China's northern Shaanxi province, the First Emperor surrounded himself with nearly 8,000 full sized terracotta warriors and horses in magnificent military formations, along with many other artifacts, in preparation for the afterlife. The warriors are often referenced as the eighth wonder of the world and in 1987 the site was added to the official list of World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Created by the ROM with our partners in China, The Warrior Emperor and China's Terracotta Army features the largest collection of artifacts related to the warrior emperor ever displayed in North America, alongside 10 life-sized terracotta figures from the pits of the First Emperor's Terracotta Army. Tracing key moments in history before, during and after the lifetime of Ying Zheng, the ROM is showcasing over 250 artifacts from the first millennium BC, on loan from more than a dozen archaeological institutes and museums in Shaanxi Province. Nearly a third of the artifacts on display have never been shown outside of China, and some have never been publicly displayed anywhere, making the ROM's exhibition a landmark event.
Highlighting the life, times, and afterlife of the First Emperor of the Qin dynasty, as well as the terracotta soldiers produced during his lifetime, the exhibition explores the figures in a broad historical and social context. Visitors will learn about China’s rich history during these periods and about the political and social transitions, including the dramatic change from war to peace, that took place during various dynasties.
Powerful and ambitious, Ying Zheng was the first Emperor of China, coming to power initially as the King of Qin at the age of 13. During his reign he built an empire which at its height rivalled that of Rome's, and would prove to be more enduring.
One of the greatest military leaders of all time, Ying Zheng unified China after 500 years of conflict bringing about great political, social and cultural reform. Between 230 and 221 BC Zheng conquered every rival realm in China and founded the first unitary Chinese empire. He brought to a close the centuries of warring states and established the norms of governance, law and administration that would characterize China for over two thousand years.
When he died, the First Emperor left behind many monumental building projects such as the first Great Wall of China. He also left extraordinary tomb structures, the likes of which had never been seen before in modern or ancient times. Even in the afterlife, the Warrior Emperor sought to ensure continued dominance by creating the largest tomb complex in history. And to help realize this goal, he interred with himself an army of around 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors.
Ying Zheng remains a controversial figure in Chinese history. While his autocratic rule lasted 37 years and was heavily marked by tyranny and bloodshed, he also accomplished much during his reign, such as establishing a strong central government, unifying the law code and standardizing coinage, weights and measures, as well as starting a national road and canal system. It is, however, the terracotta warriors that constitute the most tangible evidence of Ying Zheng's legacy.
Since their discovery in northern Shaanxi Province in 1974, China's Terracotta Army has captured the world's attention. Created 2,200 years ago, these remarkable life-sized sculptures of warriors, found in the underground tomb complex of China's first Emperor, are considered one of the most significant archaeological finds in history.
To date, archaeologists have unearthed approximately 2,000 full-sized terracotta warriors and horses from three ancient pits. Located near the First Emperor's tomb complex, the terracotta site is only a small component of the largest tomb construction in China – possibly the largest in the world. It is also the location of the country's first onsite museum. As this site continues to be excavated, the terracotta figures are now known to number nearly 8,000 with scores yet to be excavated.
The ROM's exhibition showcases 10 life-sized terracotta figures including a range of military and civic personnel. Highlights include two of only nine generals ever found, two horses and a striking figure of a kneeling archer – are rare example of a figure with paint remnants still in tact.
Each figure is unique, exquisitely executed and accorded a distinct personality. In addition to appreciating the power and artistry of these figures up close, visitors to the ROM will learn about the making of the terracotta army including production techniques.
The Warrior Emperor and China’s Terracotta Army features nearly 250 artifacts dating mostly to the first millennium BC which include the terracotta army, but also numerous other stellar objects making their North American debut. Loaned by 15 of the most important archaeological institutes and museums across Shaanxi Province, nearly 30 per cent of the exhibition’s featured objects have never before been displayed internationally.
Highlights includes numerous gold objects, such as this elaborate bridle fitting, a bronze ritual vessel describing the history of a noble family that served the Kings of Zhou in 8th century BC, a bronze bell which verifies the status and responsibilities of one of the First Emperor’s ancestors, two terracotta horses found alongside the terracotta army, and a beautifully crafted kneeling female figure from the harmonious Han, a period of peaceful consolidation after the Emperor’s death.
Read more about the exhibition on the ROM Blog.
The Warrior Emperor and China's Terracotta Army
February 10, 2010
The ROM is please to bring The Warrior Emperor and China's Terracotta Army to Toronto. Opens June 2010.
Video Podcast (8MB, 90 sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)
Terracotta Warrior Lectures Series Podcasts
Before the Empire: New Light from Early Qin Archaeology
September 21, 2010
Li Feng is Associate Professor of Early Chinese History and Archaeology, Department of East Asian Languages and Culltures at Columbia University. He discusses what archaeology has revealed about China before the rise of the First Emperor's empire.
The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).
Audio Podcast (49MB, 52min 46sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)
Newest Sources of Early Chinese History: Inscribed Bronze Vessels Recently Discovered
September 21, 2010
Edward L. Shaughnessy, Lorraine J. and Herrlee G. Creel Distinguished Service Professor of Early China in the Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at University of Chicago, discusses what recently discovered inscribed bronze vessels have revealed about Early Chinese History.
The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).
Audio Podcast (19MB, 41min 29sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)
Law and War in the Making of the Chinese Empire
July 06, 2010
China's terracotta army is internationally recognized, but the discovery of the legal documents of the Qin state is known only to specialists. Robin D. S. Yates, James McGill Professor of History and East Asian Studies at McGill University, explores what these important documents tell us about the administrative, organizational and legal advances at the time of the First Emperor.
The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).
Audio Podcast (52MB, 57min 37sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)
Building Up and Digging Down: New Archaeological Evidence for Construction of the Tomb Complex of the First Emperor
June 24, 2010
Explore the construction of the First Emperor's vast tomb complex and how recent discoveries have changed our understanding its construction. Dr. Chen Shen, Senior Curator and Bishop White Chair, East Asia Art & Archaeology and curator of The Warrior Emperor and China's Terracotta Army, is the first speaker in The Enduring Genius of China Lecture Series.
Audio Podcast (40MB, 58min 11sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)
Isadore Sharp: Motel to Mogul
May 18, 2010
Isadore Sharp, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, spoke at the Royal Ontario Museum on May 18 as the first in the Director's Signature Lecture Series. Listen as he shares his thoughts on leadership, success and accomplishment. Introduction by William Thorsell, Director and CEO of the ROM.
Audio Podcast (28MB, 24min 24sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)
