The Chinese archaeological team began excavating hole No. 1 in the tomb of Qin Shi Huang - the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, on July 15, 1974.
Archaeological excavations have revealed a massive underground army of life-sized terracotta warriors, built to protect Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.
Qin Shi Huang's terracotta army was modeled after real soldiers. Along with the terracotta soldiers, many bronze weapons, recreating the mighty Qin army that unified China more than 2,000 years ago, were also discovered.
In 1987, Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The Museum of the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang announced earlier this week that it will organize many activities to introduce recent advances in archaeological excavation, protection and research of relics.
“Over the past 50 years, archaeologists have excavated pits containing terracotta warriors, bronze chariots and horses, sculptures of dancers, bronze waterfowl, ceremonial architecture and a tomb . ancient satellite to the west of the main tomb. We also did a comprehensive archaeological survey and scientific discovery of the above-ground mound and underground palace of the tomb" - Li Gang, director of the Museum of the Tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, shared.
The leader of the Museum of the Tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang added: "The cultural meanings, values and humanistic ideas contained in the mausoleum and the terracotta warriors are continuously revealed."
Wang Yuanyin - Deputy Director of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Museum - informed that a digital station at the mausoleum will begin trial operations at the end of July. The station has an area of 1,600 m2, using technology digital and interactive media to give visitors a rich experience of the Qin Dynasty, its major construction projects, and the layout of Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum and satellite tombs.
In August and September, several major books about the terracotta army and archaeological work at Qin Shi Huang's tomb will be published. The books will detail recent archaeological research, the technological protection of antiquities, and communication and exchange.
Several documentaries and programs will also increase understanding of Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum and the terracotta army.
"Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors" - Netflix 's documentary , has aired in more than 190 countries and regions since June this year. A six-episode documentary about Qin Shi Huang's tomb will be shown on CCTV-10 in September.
“The production and broadcasting of these programs not only enrich people's understanding of the archaeological discoveries at the tomb, but also introduce the profound historical heritage of Chinese culture” - Mr. Wang speak.
Within the framework of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the terracotta army of Qin Shi Huang's tomb, China held a conference in September in Xi'an to review archaeological achievements over the years and promote the development of cultural and archaeological relics in the new era. An exhibition about discoveries at Qin Shi Huang's tomb will open at the same time.
