The Terracotta Army is a collection of life-sized clay statues that were buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, to accompany him in the afterlife. Here are key features and information about the Terracotta Army:

1. Discovery: The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by local farmers in the Shaanxi province of China, near the city of Xi’an. The site is part of the larger mausoleum complex of Qin Shi Huang.
2. Purpose: The Terracotta Army was created to serve as a funerary art and protect the emperor in the afterlife. It represents a vast array of soldiers, chariots, horses, and other figures.
3. Scale: The army is remarkably large, with estimates suggesting that there are over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and various other figures. Each statue is unique, displaying different facial features, clothing, and hairstyles.
4. Types of Figures: The Terracotta Army is organized into various pits, each containing different types of figures. These include infantry soldiers, archers, charioteers, cavalrymen, and high-ranking officers.
5. Individualized Sculptures: Each soldier in the Terracotta Army is individually crafted with intricate details. The level of craftsmanship reflects the artistry of ancient Chinese sculptors.
6. Pit Layout: The main pits of the Terracotta Army are designated as Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3. Pit 1 is the largest and contains the majority of the infantry, while Pit 2 features a mix of infantry and cavalry. Pit 3 is smaller and contains high-ranking officers.
7. Terracotta Horses and Chariots: Alongside the infantry, the Terracotta Army includes terracotta horses and chariots. The horses are depicted in various poses, and the chariots are equipped with archers and drivers.
8. Technology: The construction of the Terracotta Army showcases advanced technology for its time. The statues were created using molds and fired in kilns before being assembled.
9. Emperor’s Mausoleum: The Terracotta Army is part of the larger complex surrounding Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum, which covers a vast area. The emperor’s tomb itself remains largely unexcavated.
10. World Heritage Site: The Terracotta Army and the mausoleum complex were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. They are considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Visitors to Xi’an can explore the Museum of the Terracotta Army, where many of the excavated statues are displayed. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese funerary practices and the artistic achievements of the Qin Dynasty.