Short History Of...

The Terracotta Army

Listen on

Episode notes

After its initial discovery in 1974, the Terracotta Army became the unofficial eighth wonder of the world. Comprising an estimated 8,000 statue warriors buried as part of the First Emperor of China’s tomb complex, experts are still unearthing its secrets. But what was the purpose of so many clay soldiers? How were they made, and by whom? And what do we know about the Emperor considered so important that his death demanded a project on this scale?

This is a Short History of the Terracotta Army.

A Noiser production, written by Duncan Barrett. With thanks to Eugene Wang, Professor of Asian Art at Harvard University; and Andrew Bevan, Professor of Comparative Archaeology at University College London.

For ad-free listening, exclusive content and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+, now available on Apple Podcasts. All shows are also available for free. If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, press the ‘+’ icon to follow the show for free.

Exclusive! Grab the NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/shorthistory Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices