China’s famous Terracotta Warriors mark 50th anniversary of their discovery.
An exhibition opened on Sep. 8 at the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi’an, capital of China’s Shaanxi Province. It marks the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors.
The exhibition showcases 230 cultural relics in eight categories, many being revealed to the public for the first time. Visitors can have a glimpse into the era of Emperor Qinshihuang of the Qin Dynasty (221 BC-207 BC).
In 1974, local farmers accidentally unearthed clay fragments while digging a well, leading to one of China’s most significant archaeological discoveries. People found the warriors, modeled after real soldiers, alongside numerous bronze weapons, recreating the powerful Qin army over 2,000 years ago.
In 1987, the UNESCO listed Terracotta Warriors as a World Heritage site.
During 50 years of excavation and research, archaeologists and researchers have discovered over 10 above-ground building sites and more than 500 underground burial pits and tombs.
The museum has announced at a news conference in July that it would host a variety of activities. These activities will show recent progress in archaeological excavations, cultural relics protection and research. The exhibition is one of the celebrating activities.
In August and September, several major books on the Terracotta Warriors and the archaeological work at the mausoleum were published. They elaborate on recent archaeological studies, the technological protection of cultural relics, and communication and exchanges.
A number of documentaries and programs will also enhance understanding of the site. Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors, a Netflix documentary, has aired in more than 190 countries and regions since June. CCTV-10 will air a six episode documentery in September.
“The production and broadcast of these programs have not only enriched people’s understanding of the archaeological discoveries at the mausoleum but also showcased the profound historical heritage of Chinese culture,” Wang Yuanyin, the museum’s deputy director said.
The museum has remained an iconic scenic spot in Xi’an. It received 11 million visitors in 2023, hitting a record-high number since its opening.
Written by Gu Yetao, additional reporting by Xinhua and China Daily.
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