Terracotta Army: The greatest archaeological find of the 20th century - BBC News

Summary

The script describes the excavation of a vast Terracotta Army, a life-sized collection of soldiers buried with a Chinese ruler over 2,000 years ago. The figures, with distinct facial features and hairstyles, indicate different ranks. Discovered by farmers, the tomb's artifacts were initially substitutes for human sacrifice in ancient China. Remarkably, the Terracotta Warriors were found with well-preserved, vibrant colors, including a unique purple from a chemical reaction, showcasing ancient Chinese technology. The archaeologist reflects on the significance of this discovery, feeling both lucky and responsible for this unique piece of Chinese and world history.

Takeaways

• 🗿 The script discusses the discovery of a vast army of terracotta warriors, which have been buried for over 2,000 years.
• 👷 The narrator has worked at the archaeological site for many years, indicating a deep connection and knowledge of the site.
• 🤖 The terracotta warriors are life-sized and have distinct facial features and hairstyles, which are referred to as 'ha gears'.
• 🔍 The terracotta army was accidentally found by farmers digging a well, leading to the discovery of pieces and the heads of the terracotta warriors.
• 🏺 Historical context is provided, explaining that in ancient China, elites were buried with their servants, a practice later criticized and replaced with terracotta figures.
• 🎨 The script highlights the surprising preservation of colors on the terracotta warriors, with bright red, pink, blue, and green hues remaining vibrant.
• 🔬 The colors used on the terracotta warriors are natural, derived from minerals or plants, with the exception of purple, which is a result of a chemical reaction.
• 🧪 The use of chemical reactions to create purple pigment is noted as a revolutionary technology from 2,000 years ago, unique to China.
• 🏛 The discovery in pit 3 is described as a fascinating part of the narrator's archaeological career, emphasizing the importance of the find.
• 🙏 The narrator expresses a sense of luck and responsibility, acknowledging the uniqueness of the site both in China and the world.
• 🚶‍♂️ Even after years, the narrator still feels impressed when walking through the site, indicating the ongoing impact and significance of the discovery.

Q & A

What is the significance of the vast Pottery Army being unearthed?

The vast Pottery Army is significant because it provides a unique insight into ancient Chinese funerary practices and the craftsmanship of the time, having been buried for over 2,000 years.

How were the life-sized pottery soldiers discovered?

The pottery soldiers were discovered accidentally by a group of farmers who were digging a well and found pieces of pottery and the head of a Terracotta Warrior.

What is special about the pottery soldiers' facial features and hairstyles?

The pottery soldiers have different facial features and hairstyles, which were used to distinguish their ranks and individual identities, reflecting the diversity of the real soldiers they represent.

Why were the Terracotta Army figures created?

The Terracotta Army figures were created as a substitute for human sacrifice, which was a practice that began to be criticized in ancient China around 3,000 years ago.

What was the surprising discovery made in pit 3 of the excavation site?

In pit 3, archaeologists were surprised to find the pottery figures very well preserved with bright colors, which was unexpected due to the age of the artifacts.

What colors were found on the Terracotta Warriors and what were their sources?

The colors found on the Terracotta Warriors included bright red, pink, blue, and green, which were derived from natural minerals or plants, except for the purple, which was a result of a chemical reaction.

What does the speaker find revolutionary about the purple color found on the pottery figures?

The speaker finds the purple color revolutionary because it was created through a chemical reaction, a technology that was quite advanced for the time, 2,000 years ago in China.

What emotions does the speaker express about their archaeological career involving the Terracotta Army?

The speaker expresses feelings of luck and responsibility, indicating the significance and uniqueness of their work, both in China and the world.

How does the speaker describe their experience of walking in the excavation site even now?

The speaker describes their experience as still being very impressed, suggesting the ongoing impact and fascination of the Terracotta Army discovery.

What does the script suggest about the speaker's view on the importance of the Terracotta Army to Chinese and world history?

The script suggests that the speaker views the Terracotta Army as not only important to Chinese history but also to world history, given its unique cultural and technological insights.

What was the initial practice in ancient China regarding the burial of elites, and how did it change?

Initially, when elites in ancient China died, they were buried with their servants, indicating a practice of human sacrifice. This practice was later criticized and changed to using pottery figures as substitutes.