This text examines China’s history through proverbs. The majority of Chinese proverbs are drawn from the first century BC, when the first Emperor of China established his leadership over the whole country and its warring kingdoms. In ancient China, a scholar’s conversation would be studded with appropriate sayings, and a man’s status in society would be defined by his use and knowledge of proverbs. In modern China, much of this is still true, and proverbs are used daily. Adeline Yen Mah introduces us to the whole rich picture of the first century BC when after the long wars between states, China was finally united and the richness of the literature and art could flourish. One of the major expressions of this age was of course the Emperor’s tomb, with its terracotta soldiers, horses and carriages and the stones of the building. The re-finding of this monument – now open to us all – and Adeline Yen Mah’s own experiences there inform the work.