The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. It is a form of funerary art buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE with the purpose of protecting him in his afterlife.
The mound where the tomb is located
View of the Terracotta Army
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, Hall 1
The ancient Chinese chariot was used as an attack and pursuit vehicle on the open fields and plains of ancient China from around 1200 BCE. Chariots also allowed military commanders a mobile platform from which to control troops while providing archers and soldiers armed with dagger-axes increased mobility. They reached a peak of importance during the Spring and Autumn period, but were largely superseded by cavalry during the Han dynasty.
A Chinese chariot (c. 400 BCE)
War chariots at Shang Dynasty Yinxu ruins. Shang chariots were introduced around 1200 BCE through the northern steppes, probably from the area of the Deer stones culture.
Warring States chariot burial pit
Powerful landlord in chariot. Eastern Han 25–220 CE. Anping, Hebei.