China: Head of a horse, detail, from the terracotta army guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, first emperor of a unified China (r. 246-221 BCE), Xi'an

During a drought in 1974, farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.

The terracotta army, thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots, had remained secretly on duty for some 2,000 years, guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.

Each of the terracotta figures, some standing, some on horseback, and some kneeling, bows drawn, is unique, with a different hairstyle and facial expression.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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