China’s Megatomb Revealed: The First Emperor’s Terracotta Army

Terracotta Warriors
A chariot and horses found near the Emperor’s tomb. The most amazing thing is that this is just part of the tomb complex

China’s Megatomb Revealed investigates the necropolis near the tomb where the First Emperor of China had his real army recreated in clay.

Consisting of 8,000 warriors who were buried more than 2,000 years ago, this symbol of power must rank as one of the greatest wonders of the world.

Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Army as seen in the main pit, ready to fight. Credit: Jmhullot CC3 Wikipedia

Ready to fight the First Emperor’s battles in the next life, each of the warriors has a unique face.

The warriors are even arranged as for battle with light infantry, heavy infantry and cavalry with over 100 life size horses.

They were found near the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor who is buried in a huge mound in the Shaanxi province of China.

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor where he still lies as yet undisturbed. Chinese archaeologists are cryptic about when work might begin

His tomb has not yet been excavated by archaeologists but speculation is that it must be spectacular and will perhaps make the treasures found in Tutankhamun’s tomb look like trinkets.

Watch China’s Megatomb Revealed at 9pm on National Geographic.

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