Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The Terracotta Army refers to an enormous collection of life-sized clay statues discovered near the tomb complex of Emperor Qin Shi Huang in China. This army was created to accompany him in the afterlife.
Related terms
Emperor Qin Shi Huang: The first emperor of China who ordered the construction of the Terracotta Army and the Great Wall.
Afterlife: The belief in an existence or realm that follows death, where one's soul or spirit continues to exist.
Tomb Complex: A collection of burial structures and chambers, often containing multiple tombs.