THE TERRACOTTA ARMY OF XI'AN
China

Click here for Episode 25

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They stand row on row in silent guard of a long-dead autocrat. The Terracotta Army, built to defend the tomb of China's First Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, are the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th century.

 

Joined by Abel Kay, we look into the story of the Emperor who unified China, and the ruthless path he took to do it.  

 

We'll talk about scheming merchants, pretend eunuchs, beheaded generals, assassins, scholars buried alive, rivers of mercury, and the secret to immortality.  Sound like enough for you?

 

We'll also explore Xian, imperial city, and sample some biang biang noodles and lamb bread soup.

 

On the way, there might be a detour to Indianapolis, because why not?

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Sources:
Cotterell, Maurice. The Terracotta Warriors: the Secret Codes of the Emperor's Army

Lonely Planet Guide to China

Keay, John. China: a History

Mooney, Paul.  Xi'an, Shaanxi and the Terracotta Army

Portal, Jane. Terra Cotta Warriors

Zhang, Wenli. The Qin Terracotta Army: Treasures of Lintong

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Photo by wikipedia user Maros Mraz

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