The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang.

The Terracotta Warriors, also known as the Terracotta Army, are a category of ancient burial sculptures that originated from the ancient practice of human sacrifice. In ancient times, slaves were considered the property of slave owners, and upon the death of the slave owner, slaves were buried with them as sacrificial offerings. With the progress of society and the emergence of humanitarian ideas, the practice of human sacrifice gradually declined, and was replaced by the use of figurines as burial offerings. The Terracotta Warriors are a typical example of using clay figurines instead of living people as burial offerings, reflecting the progress of the funeral system during the Qin Dynasty. The discovery of the Terracotta Warriors can be traced back to 1974, when farmers in Lintong County, Shaanxi Province, accidentally discovered a large number of clay figurines while digging a well. These clay figurines were originally covered with vibrant colors, but due to oxidation after being unearthed, most of the colors have faded, leaving only the earthy yellow clay bodies. The Terracotta Warriors are part of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, buried underground as burial offerings to protect the emperor's safety in the afterlife. The construction of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor began in 221 BC and took over thirty years to complete, with the excavation of the Terracotta Warriors pits carried out simultaneously with the main construction of the mausoleum. The Terracotta Warriors are of enormous scale, covering a total area of over 20,000 square meters, and archaeologists have unearthed thousands of them. Each Terracotta Warrior is a masterpiece of independent carving, with intricate details meticulously crafted, from hairstyles and facial expressions to clothing and weapons, showcasing the exceptional skills of Qin Dynasty artisans. The Terracotta Warriors include various types of soldiers, such as infantry, cavalry, and chariots, each with its unique shape and equipment, providing a comprehensive display of the military strength and battle formations of the Qin Dynasty. In 1987, the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors pits were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," and became a treasure of world cultural heritage. The Terracotta Warriors not only showcase the ancient Chinese art of sculpture and craftsmanship but also provide valuable physical evidence for studying ancient Chinese military systems, social structures, and artistic styles. In summary, the origin and history of the Terracotta Warriors demonstrate the transition from human sacrifice to figurine sacrifice in ancient China, reflecting the progress of the funeral system during the Qin Dynasty and the exceptional sculptural art of the Qin Dynasty. Their discovery and research not only provide important materials for archaeology but also set an example for the protection of world cultural heritage.