The Terra Cotta army was found by archaeologists in China in 1974. Qin-Shi-Han (the emperor of China during the Qin dynasty) started this project when he was proclaimed emperor, at age 13. The year was 246 BC. In 1974, a group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging for a well nearby the royal tomb. It caught the attention of archeologists immediately. They came to Xian in droves to study and to extend the digs. Soon enough, they found proof that the army was created by the Qin dynasty. A museum was built on the site in 1975. The museum covers an area of 16,300 square meters. The terra-cotta soldiers are made of stone, and most of them are different. The entire army consists of war chariots and over a thousand warriors.
With the discovery of the terra cotta army the grandeur and magnificence of the forces of Emperor Qin was understood. Each figurine was armed with a bronze weapon of that period. Over 10,000 bronze weapons have been excavated so far from the site. These include swords, daggers, billhooks, spears, halberds, axes, crossbow triggers, and arrowheads. The weapons show the vast knowledge and metallurgical skill of Qin.