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01-13-2006 17:35

During the Warring States period, from 475 to 221 BC, China was in a period of turmoil following the collapse of the Zhou dynasty. The fractured country was in a state of perpetual war. Among the states, the Qin(秦) had the military upper hand and was more warlike than its neighbours. Other states often regarded the Qin as barbaric. When the Terracotta Warriors were unearthed close to present-day Xi’an in 1974, it was a breakthrough in understanding the customs of the Qin. The individual statues attest to the advanced arts of the Qin. More importantly, they provide a window on Qin society and military culture.

The military was at the heart of Qin society and the key to its power. The Qin king, Shang Yang, made sweeping changes to aristocratic privileges. In the new system, only nobles who had served in the army could keep their status. Qin military strategy was backed up by sophisticated diplomacy which thwarted alliances between the other six states. The Qin army was as brutal in victory as in war.

The Zhou dynasty was the nominal ruling power throughout the Warring States period. In fact, the empire was fragmented into independent states which fought each other for over 250 years. The State of Qin was the main military power during this period. They eventually subdued the other states and founded the Qin dynasty in 248 BC. The key to their success was their overwhelming military strength. They paid the greatest attention to a strong and swift offensive. Not being weighed down with armour, Qin troops fought swift and decisive battles. The Qin social order was also heavily militarized. Honourable service on the battlefield was one of the few ways ordinary people could improve their status and living standards.

 

Editor:Wang Ping