The Terracotta Army and Treasures of the First Emprerors of China

The First Emperor of China, Qin Shihuangdi (259-210 BC), unified the warring states within China and formed a powerful empire. He began the construction of what came to be known as the Great Wall, imposed a common monetary and legal system, developed transport, harmonized the system of weights and measures, and strengthened the army which was based on conscription. In many ways, he laid the foundations of modern China. However, China's First Emperor is now probably best known for his terracotta army, discovered in 1974. These men guard his underground empire, a huge tomb complex containing a vast range of items that provide a rich and diverse insight into life at that time. After his death China was ruled by the Han dynasty from 206 BC-AD 220, a golden age in Chinese history. It was an era of cultural brilliance, territorial expansion and great prosperity, and one that consolidated much that the First Emperor had only had time to begin. This book, edited by Caril Michaelson, a specialist in ancient China, introduces us to Chinese culture and society in the Qin and Han dynasties, through the objects that were buried with the emperors - and their subjects - to accompany them to the afterlife.