Social StatusSocial status was an important representation of being a successful person whether it was being a leader, conqueror or emperor. Social class was important during one’s life as well as in the afterlife. This was determined by the number of possessions buried with the deceased inside the tomb and mausoleum.
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Gold, Silver & BronzeGold and silver were often used for objects of special, intricate and personal value. The large amounts of gold, silver and bronze artefacts found within the mausoleum reveals Emperor Qin’s high social status, reflecting his desire to continue having a high status into the afterlife.
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“Mercury was used to fashion imitations of the hundred rivers, the Yellow River and the Yangtze, and the seas, constructed in such a way that they seemed to flow. Above were representations of all the heavenly bodies, below, the features of the earth. “Man-fish” oil were used for lamps, which were calculated to bum for a long time without going out.'
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Construction of Terracotta WarriorsSima Qian’s Records of the Grand Historian described the tomb under Mt Li. Sima qian reveals Emperor Qin’s tomb as a construction requiring a lot of effort. This reveals Emperor Qin’s high status and influence as he instructed over 700,000 men including artisans and potters to construct 8000 life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses and chariots.
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The effort and materials used including gold, silver and bronze to build the mausoleum allows archaeologists and historians to conclude that social status, particularly to a high status person was important during life on Earth as well as in the afterlife. The terracotta warriors are a symbol of Emperor Qin’s high status as he required a whole army to serve and protect him during the afterlife.