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Preface
        The reign of King Ying Zheng as the first Emperor of Qin (Qin Shihuang) lasted about twenty-seven years (from 238 to 209 BC. AD) and the first empire only about fifteen years (from 221-207 BC. AD). During this very short time, the first emperor of the Qin was succesful to unify China and to establish a vast empire. He had made a new structure of political, economic, cultural and military designs that profoundly had influenced the subsequent dynasties. The size of the excavations is exceptional, not only the area, but also the high quality of funerary statues discovered. These excavations and the following will provide the main information resources. They will also have the advantage of present, as a corollary, a miniaturized image of the empire from all materials of the excavations. Those excavations have updated the infantry, cavalry and tanks, the whole scale with weapons and uniforms. The discovery was revealed in all its fullness thanks to the opening of the Museum and, also the exhibitions of statues of soldiers and horses that have occurred worldwide. The archaeological site of the terracotta statues is now a World Heritage. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Jacques Chirac for his interest in this heritage by honoring the title of Eighth Wonder of the World.
         The work of researcher Juan Shen intends to highlight one of its least visible aspects. It presents a research undertaken on site with a new look at the civilization of China, through the testimony of Qin. To deepen the knowledge of art history and archeology, the author has conducted an original reading, so penetrating and thorough, and has aroused our attention to ensure their survival and sharing.
          Yuan Zhongyi
          Chief Curator, Museum of terracotta statues of the First Emperor Qin
          Researcher and Professor, Northwest University in Xi'an