logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2022
56m 53s

The Terracotta Army

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

Greg Jenner is joined in Ancient China by Professor Julia Lovell and special guest Phil Wang as they take a closer look at The Terracotta Army.

In 1974 a family of farmers made arguably the greatest archaeological discovery of all time when they uncovered arrowheads and fragments of terracotta whilst digging a well. Join us as we examine one of the most astounding mausoleum sites in the world - one so large that much of it still remains to be explored.

Research by Jon Mason Written by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner with Jon Mason Produced by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Assistant Producer: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow Project Management: Isla Matthews Audio Producer: Abi Paterson

The Athletic production for BBC Radio 4

Up next
Today
Emperor Constantine the Great: Christianity and the Roman Empire
Greg Jenner is joined in ancient Rome by Professor Lucy Grig and comedian Ivo Graham to learn all about Emperor Constantine the Great and the Christianisation of the Roman empire. Born not in Rome but in the Balkans, Constantine’s life was shaped by the turbulent politics of the ... Show More
59 m
Aug 28
History of Underwear: from shirts and stays to bras and briefs
Greg Jenner is joined in western Europe by historian Dr Serena Dyer and comedian and actor Vic Michaelis to learn all about the hidden history of underwear. For as long as people have been wearing clothes, they have been wearing garments under them – Romans at Hadrian’s Wall were ... Show More
1 h
Aug 21
Akhenaten and Nefertiti: religious revolution in ancient Egypt
Greg Jenner is joined in ancient Egypt by historian and curator Dr Campbell Price and comedian Sikisa to learn all about Tutankhamun’s parents, Nefertiti and Akhenaten. As well as their famous son, this ancient Egyptian power couple are best known in the modern age for two reason ... Show More
58m 1s
Recommended Episodes
May 2025
The Terracotta Army
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 ... Show More
41m 45s
May 2022
The Terracotta Army
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 ... Show More
41m 7s
Jun 2024
#163 The Terracotta Army
📖 Episode Transcripts in Link Below ⬇️ Today, we explore the fascinating discovery and significance of the Terracotta Army, one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. https://patreon.com/HistoryinSlowGerman?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_cam ... Show More
5m 15s
Dec 2021
Selects: How the Terracotta Army Works
<p>In 1974, Chinese farmers discovered the first of what would number 7,000 terracotta soldiers meant to protect China's first emperor in the afterlife. Learn all about them in this classic episode.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcas ... Show More
32m 20s
Apr 2021
Episode #77: Cursed Art: The Terracotta Army (Season 9, Episode 1)
In our ninth season, in a topic suggested by you, our listeners, we’re uncovering the backstory behind some of the world’s most famed “cursed” objects in art, architecture, and archaeology. Today, we’re beginning with one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the late 20t ... Show More
35m 19s
Jul 2020
The First Emperor of China
Join host Greg Jenner and travel back over 2,000 years to meet the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi. Learn all about the discovery of his world famous Terracotta Army, the fierce lengths he went to in order to unify China and why he was so fixated on discovering the secret ... Show More
16m 5s
Jun 2020
Space Archaeology
Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian and writer Sara Pascoe, biological anthropologist Alice Roberts and space archaeologist Sarah Parcak. They look at how archaeology today looks far more Star Wars than Indiana Jones, as an archaeologist's list of kit can now include ... Show More
56 m
Mar 2024
Chinese history
Max Pearson presents a collection of this week’s Witness History episodes from the BBC World Service.To mark 50 years since the discovery of the Terracotta Army, we're exploring modern Chinese history.We hear from the man who helped to modernise the Chinese language by creating a ... Show More
52m 5s
Sep 2018
The Secrets of the Hidden Chinese Pyramid
<p>Pyramids aren't just for Egypt! Join Ben and Matt as they dive into the strange story of a hidden pyramid in China, an ancient lost civilization that, recently uncovered, holds disturbing secrets in the modern day. </p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="http ... Show More
35m 54s