The Terracotta Warriors were life-sized clay soldiers created to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China. Their purpose was to protect the emperor in the afterlife, reflecting his military power and the unification of China under his rule. The army includes thousands of warriors, horses, and chariots, all arranged as if ready for battle. They were buried with the emperor around 210–209 BCE in a massive mausoleum near Xi'an in Shaanxi Province. Each figure appears unique, depicting the different ranks and roles of soldiers from that time. The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by farmers near Qin Shi Huang's tomb and is considered one of the greatest archaeological finds, providing insight into ancient Chinese warfare and culture.