Hordes of men on horseback dominated the steppes of central Asia 2,000 years ago. They were the Hsiung-nu and their vast empire reigned from 300 BC to 200 AD. From conquests to defeats, their history is written in blood and fire. Fearsome archers on horseback, the Hsiung-nu crossed the steppes of Mongolia. Opposing the Hsiung-nu warriors was an equally fearsome army, comprised of Chinese warriors who considered the Hsiung-nu to be barbarians. The first emperor of China had life-sized reproductions of his men placed in his tomb, each with unique facial features. Comprised of foot soldiers, archers, crossbowmen and cavalry riders, this phantom army mounted an eternal guard over its emperor Qin Shi-huang, the Hsiung-nu's worst enemy. Writing was not known by the Hsiung-nu - archaeological remains are the only trace of their history.