The tomb to emperor Shi Huangdi of the Q’in Dynasty of China is world-famous. In the large underground tomb stands a life-size army of terracotta solders to protect the Emperor in the afterlife. Kneeling archers appear to be reloading their crossbows before standing up to fire. The Chinese were using crossbows as early as 400 B.C. Terracotta generals was created to stand taller than other soldiers in the army. Many other solders in various poses protect the Emperor as well.
The detail of these soldiers is amazing, and this photo essay allows you to get up close and examine the army.
Even though the soldiers are made from terracotta, a type of baked clay, their weapons are real — and dangerous! You can read here how historians have discovered how the ancient Chinese built so many weapons for the Mighty Q’in’s tomb.
