The Emperor's Army in the Afterlife

The culture and technology of the Qin Dynasty are evident in the magnificent tomb known as the Emperor's Mausoleum. This grand undertaking a testament to the warfare that protected the emperor's tomb in a massive underground pit against various threats showcases a coordinated and innovative strategic alliance. Thousands of terracotta soldiers and horses were buried within seemingly to safeguard the emperor in the afterlife. It's said that the mausoleum contained mechanisms for automatic crossbows and bows to fire at invaders. The colors and condition of the terracotta soldier statues were accidentally discovered by farmers on  29 March 1974 while digging a well in the Lintong area suggesting they could be rapidly damaged by exposure to the outside air.

Located both inside and outside the main mausoleum walls the tomb yields numerous magnificent artifacts. These statues reveal details of ancient weaponry and armor reminiscent of the period's early construction of the Great Wall to protect the country from northern invaders. Excavations and restorations continue to unravel the mysteries of ancient troop deployments including four units of standing and kneeling archers in a battle formation and chariots.

This demonstrates the unpredictable tactics of the Qin Dynasty in utilizing chariots and a mixed force of infantry and soldiers arranged in a square formation showcasing the potential of the Qin army. The final unit comprises a large number of heavily armed soldiers. The complex structures and diverse forms of terracotta army such as standing and kneeling archers and chariots demonstrated a variety of strategic formations in ancient warfare.

The first emperors of China driven by the desire to protect their land and maintain their rule even in the afterlife commissioned magnificent structures and tombs to endure for generations. Dating back over 2,000 years to ancient China it was believed these terracotta soldiers would be resurrected in the afterlife to serve the emperor. The construction of the imperial tomb in Xi'an included a life-sized army of terracotta soldiers to protect him in the afterlife. Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor to unify China and founder of the Qin Dynasty 221–206 BC ordered the construction of the Great Wall to defend against invasions from northern tribes.