During a drought in 1974; farmers digging a well stumbled across one of the most amazing archaeological finds in modern history - the terracotta warriors.

The terracotta army; thousands of soldiers; horses and chariots; had remained secretly on duty for some 2;000 years; guarding the nearby mausoleum of Qin Shu Huang / Qin Shi Huangdi; the first emperor of a unified China (r. 246 - 221 BCE). The infamous Qinshi is best known for his ruthless destruction of books and the slaughter of his enemies.

Each of the terracotta figures; some standing; some on horseback; and some kneeling; bows drawn; is unique; with a different hairstyle and facial expression. Pictures From History Pictures From History