The Silent Army refers to the famous collection of life-sized terracotta sculptures discovered in 1974 near Xi'an, China. These figures were created to accompany the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, who reigned from 221 to 210 BCE. The army consists of thousands of soldiers, horses, and chariots, each uniquely crafted to represent the military might of the emperor. The purpose of the Silent Army was to protect Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife, reflecting the beliefs of the time regarding death and the afterlife. The site has become a significant archaeological discovery, providing insights into ancient Chinese culture, art, and military practices.