The Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses were found on this farmer's land while digging for a well near the royal tomb in 1974. Archeologists immediately came to Xian to study the site. They established that these artifacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211-206 BC).
At the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, later the first Emperor of all China, began work for his mausoleum. It took 11 years to finish. The plan was that many buried treasures would accompany the emperor into his after life.
The detail is amazing!
Those that crafted the warriors knew that they would be buried alive to keep their creation a secret. This enclosed grave marks the spot of their burial. 
We planned to visit the Terra-Cotta Warriors Tuesday. Through an unusual chain of events we met Mr. Wu early Monday morning and were able to tour this unbelieveable landmark before our return to Beijing due to the earthquake.
There will be an upcoming post of cultural differences, then a return to the real reason for the trip; THE CHILDREN.
