Leo, Roving Reporter
Report from: My desk
Story filed: The Qin Dynasty
Hi people, it's Leo here. Not much has been happening at this end with the lockdown upon us, but even in lockdown we all have at least one thing to do. For me, it's my history project. The task is to create an artifact from Ancient China, and it's been a blast so far. I'm right in the middle of building my artifact. I have chosen a soldier's helmet from the Qin Dynasty, as found in the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huangthe along with his terracotta army. Did you know that originally the terracotta army soldiers were brightly painted? But when they were being excavated and the paint came in contact with the air, the paint shriveled up and peeled off the statues in more than two seconds.
That's one of the reasons why archaeologists haven't unearthed the rest of the terracotta figures, in fear of losing all the amazing paint on them. I'm not far from finishing my helmet and if I have time I will build the ancient Chinese warrior sword and try to include my replica Chinese copper coins also from the Qi Dynasty.
Fact: Ancient Chinese armor included protective garments made of overlapping leather or metal scales. Ancient Chinese soldiers used a great variety of weapons, including swords, daggers, spears, crossbows, and battleaxes.
Fun fact: my helmet and sword are made from cardboard
Until next time
Leo Roving Reporter
