In 1974 local farmers digging a well near present-day Man unearthed parts of clay figures, opening the way to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. The Terrrracotta Army was a total surprise. The 6,000 life-size clay warriors and horses had been buried in 210 Bc as a 'spirit army' to stand watch over the body of the First Emperor, and had been lying hidden for over two millennia.

The army is a fitting guard for one of China's greatest and most controversial figures. From his base in the state of Qin, the First Emperor conquered all rivals, unifying them into a single nation and defending it with the Great Wall. An inspired and ruthless ruler, he was also beset by paranoia and a desire to dominate in the afterlife, as he had in this world. Around his giant tomb-mound, as yet unopened, other chambers conceal a whole spirit world not only of more soldiers, but of officials, bronze chariots, water-birds and entertainers.

Much of this now stands revealed in a site that attracts some two million visitors a year. As work continues, there are surely more surprises to come, possibly (as John Man suggests) even more warriors still to be discovered. One day, perhaps, the tomb-mound itself will be opened and its legendary treasures revealed. Research has already suggested the existence of an underground palace and revealed traces of mercury, which, according to the main historical source, trace China's rivers in a vast map of the First Emperor's domains.

Weaving together history and first-hand experience from his travels in China, John Man tells the story of how and why these astonishing artefacts were created. In doing so, he gives a vivid account of the First Emperor and the events that form the roots of China today.