The rise of Qin and the military conquest of the warring states -- The First Emperor and the Qin empire -- Imperial tours and mountain inscriptions -- The First Emperor's tomb: the afterlife universe -- A two-thousand-year-old underground empire.

In 1974, near Xi'an in central China, villagers chanced upon what has become one of the world's most astonishing archaeological finds--an 8,000-man army in battle-ready formation, each warrior a life-size figure in pottery made over 2,200 years ago.

The Terra Cotta Army is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made. Over seven thousand life-size figures of warriors and horses were interred in the mausoleum of the first emperor of China—and each figure was individually carved. Weaving together history and a first-hand account of his experiences in China, John Man tells the fascinating story of how and why these astonishing figures were created in the third century BC, and how they have become a symbol of China's history, culture, and society.

"This catalog accompanies the exhibition Terracotta Army: Legacy of the First Emperor of China, organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts"--

"With contributions from leading scholars, this fully illustrated catalogue represents a panoramic view of Qin artistic, military, and administrative achievements under the powerful First Emperor, who unified China in 221 BCE. In addition, it examines the period of Chinese history preceding the emperor's reign and the role of earlier Qin rulers in the evolution of a small state into a superpower."--Provided by publisher.

Unifier or destroyer, law-maker or tyrant? China's First Emperor (258-210 BC) has been the subject of debate for over 2,000 years. He gave us the name by which China is known in the West and, by his unification or elimination of six states, he created imperial China. He stressed the rule of law but suppressed all opposition, burning books and burying scholars alive. His military achievements are reflected in the astonishing terracotta soldiers—a veritable buried army—that surround his tomb, and his Great Wall still fascinates the world. Despite his achievements, however, the First Emperor has been vilified since his death. China's First Emperor and His Terracotta Warriors describes his life and times and reflects the historical arguments over the real founder of China and one of the most important men in Chinese history.

"The terra cotta army of Qin Shihuangdi, the First Emperor of China (r. 221-210 BC), is one of the most spectacular finds in world archaeology. It was discovered by chance in 1974 - a garrison in battle-ready formation, spread across a number of pits. Here were life-sized warriors made over two thousand years ago from fired clay: cavalry, archers, and infantry; lowly foot soldiers and high ranking officers; figures of varying ages, with different hairstyles and facial expressions and seemingly representing every racial group in China - more than 6,000 in all." "But who was this powerful Emperor of the Qin Dynasty who needed such an army to guard him in the afterlife? How were the figures made? How could they have been manufactured on such a vast scale? Beautifully illustrated and based on the latest research, this little book provides a perfect introduction to what has often been described as the eighth Wonder of the World."--BOOK JACKET.