Walking among China's ancient warriors

Jeri, Dayton Ohio — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:42:40 GMT

Are your wonderful pictures available to view? please post a link!

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Cheryl, Houston, TX — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:06:54 GMT

This is phenomenal! Are they any such amazing artifact located in North Africa? Please respond.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Alan CB — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:42:38 GMT

Look forward to seeing your broadcast. When I was there last year I was certainly impressed. Learned a few surprising things, like the soldiers were fully painted, but no way has ben found to preserve the paint, so it fades away soon after uncovering. Also
the weapons were all bronze, one thousand after iron appeared on weapons in the west. Chinese silk was imported into the west, but apparently ironworking was
not imported into China.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Jean Peterson, Pittsburg, Ks. — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:56:42 GMT

When will the film be shown?

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Linda, Lancaster, CA — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:15:30 GMT

Yes, please! May we see the pictures? I am very interested in this great find!

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Lawrence W., Woodland Hills — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:35:08 GMT

I am soo jealous!!! I had gone to Xian to vist the Terracotta Warriors over twenty two years ago. I saw the museum and was disappointed with the dust and distance from the warriors. I wish that I could be there to touch the statutes.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

j dulle, Washington, Missouri — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:56:11 GMT

When will you broadcast this? Any activity at the rest of the site particularly the emperor's gave site?

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Robert Alt Parma Ohio — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:34:28 GMT

A great review.I cant believe how many of my family and friends are unaware of this discovery,and how important it is.Have also enjoyed Samantha Browns T.V.report
And all this unknown till recently..

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Dennis, California — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:03:08 GMT

It is always interesting to view monuments to primitive cultural beliefs! Eygpt, south america, asia, catholic europe. Please include pictures and your impressions!

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Bill Berkey, Las Vegas, NV — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:37:40 GMT

My wife and I visited the site a few years ago. Inspiring!!! It is a wonderful experience not to be missed when you go to China.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Bill G. , Albuquerque, N.M. — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:41:50 GMT

Indeed, you were fortunate to see them up close. From the visitors walkway they look smaller than you describe. But you should mention the expanse of the building covering the pit's. I believe our largest stadium would get swallowed in one of them.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

chris douglass, santa rosa, ca — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:33:15 GMT

I heartily agree with all the comments. The terra cotta warriors are awesome, even better than all the descriptions. Four of us were there in May, '08 and could have stayed longer than the tour allowed. It is just amazing what was created here and it is now open to the world after 2000 years!

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Monica Kurth, Davenport, IA — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:01:40 GMT

I had the opportunity to visit Xian... it was my very favorite city in China! In addition to the soldiers, the ancient city walls are amazing, intact, and allow a wonderful stroll above the city. As for food, the dumplings were so awesome and the Mongolian hotpot restaurant we dined in was really fun! I also got to travel in the countryside to meet an artist of "farmer paintings" and brought several beautiful painting souvenirs home! Xian is terrific!

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Annie, California — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:18:10 GMT

I would love to see more pictures also and when will the filmed segment be shown on TV?

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Tom Sebas Honolulu Hi — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:10:01 GMT

The new mummy hit movie the warriors come to life ! please post the photos interest will soon be high !
Tom Sebas Honolulu Hi

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Ed Yarbrough, Irvine, CA — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 07:57:56 GMT

Orange County's Bower Museum (see article illustration) is very lucky to host the largest exhibit of these figures ever in the US and it sounds as though there is no plan for it to travel. I've been twice and would like to make friendly corrections to two points made by "Alan CB." Archeological evidence places the earliest iron smelting in Scandinavia and in China at virtually the same time (search the Journal of the Soc. of Industrial Arch.). Bronze was preferred for some weaponry for reasons that I do not know. The second is not really a correction so much as news of a welcome innovation. A solvent has been successfully applied to the painted figures that replaces water molecules that had otherwise lifted paint off of the terra cotta as it evaporated following excavation. Most of the tomb structure is yet to be unearthed. If you ever questioned the sophistication of Chinese ceramics before, you won't once you've see the warriors.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Nick ; Holly springs, NC — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:05:34 GMT

I have been to Xian to see the Terra Cotta Warriers. It is one of the greatest sights one could see. And the story behind this site is equally amazing. It goes back to the first emperor of China - 2000+ years ago. A trip to China would not be complete without visiting the Terra Cotta Warriers. (Note: lots of english spoken here!)

Walking among China's ancient warriors

norm, St. Louis, MO — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:29:17 GMT

I am duly impressed by the terra cotta army. But I do not forget that Qin Shi Huang unified the Waring States by military force and that he was a paranoid homicidal dictator who assumed divine authority for his murderous rule. It is a great paradox that such an evil force produced such a wonderous artistic legacy and one of the greatest nations on earth.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Penny Koontz, Chesapeake, Ohio — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:34:26 GMT

I had the opportunity to see the Terracotta Warriors exhibit at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, CA last month and it is breathtaking. The figures are incredibly detailed and simply beautiful. The pits also contained terracotta acrobats, musicians, horses, and government officials, as well as bronze chariots and birds - all on exhibit at the Bowers. See this exhibit if you have the opportunity. Amazing!

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Courtney, Henderson, KY — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:49:42 GMT

The documentary was shown last night on the History Channel. Its a three hour special called "China's First Emperor." I was fortunate enough that it was Tivoed because of my interests in history. It is an incredible documentary. I recommend everyone watch it.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

robert beggs tifton ga — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:06:34 GMT

very interresting indeed,i look forward to upcoming tv ptogram looks like we may be on the edge of a real breakthrough with better relations with china hope so.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

tim canton ,ohio — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:58:13 GMT

does anybody ever watch the history channel .they did an aepisode on the warriors .i believe it came out a few years ago.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Randy in Shanghai — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:05:56 GMT

I'm an American living in China, and so I have to chuckle at this story. We expats have yet to figure out the song & dance completely. And Nick from NC: in my opinion, the word "amazing" is grotesquely and annoyingly overused in the US these days, but in the case of the Warriors, it is truly appropriate.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Bahe Bitsilley, Window Rock, AZ — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:10:16 GMT

I watched "The first Emperor of China" last night on the History Channel. I was so mesmerized by the show that I sat up late into the night to watch it twice. I bet it's overwhelming to watch this magnificent exhibit in person. By the way, I recommend the show.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Bruce, New Braunfels, Texas — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:10:21 GMT

I just got back from a visit to Xi-An to see the Terracottas. Having been to Beijing many times and camped out overnight on the Great Wall, I'll tell you that you haven't visited China until you've been to Xi-An. As the Chinese magazine Nihao read on the way to Xi-An "Visit Beijing to see 500 years of history, visit Xi-An to see 5000 years of history. The Terracottas were the most fascinating thing to see, but not far behind it was a visit to the Neolithic ruins of Banpo where you can see clay pots, stone tools and burial sites (remains included) from 6000 years ago. It's a fascinating place to visit and highly recommended of anyone going to China or interested in ancient cultures. Oh, did I mention that the 14 km bicycle ride all the way around the only remaining city wall in all of China was a must.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Rebecca Gersonde, Birmingham, MI — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:15:18 GMT

I was in Xian 2 years ago with my son and his 8th grade Chinese class to visit the terracotta warriors. It is a phenomenal exhibit. I have lots of photos. The farmer is still alive and is present at the museum to sign books. The entire story of the discovery (including President Clinton's interest in the farmer - and the reward which wasn't much of one the farmer received for the discovery.) A must see for anyone visiting China.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Yi Jia — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:29:14 GMT

I have to say this I personally not interested in "Chinese bureaucracy" at all. You know why? Because I can get the same thing from quite a few other countries. I hope you could have reported more on the "Terracotta Army". I wouldn't have the chance to see them at all. It is the chance of your life time. Instead, you were mainly reporting "bureaucracy". I am very disappointed.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

MARY B. PATRICK — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:17:20 GMT

ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE EMICENCLY HOW WONDERFUL TOBE SO CLOSE TO THE PAST SOMUCH OF VALUE IS BEING DESTROYED THNK YOU FOR ATRIP TO THE PAST

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Graham Becket, Dunedin, NZ — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:44:04 GMT

ed yarbrough is correct. And, if I may add, bronze was preferred because it is structurally stronger and better able to hold an edge. The reason that the iron age followed the bronze was that iron was, essentially, cheaper.

A couple of people seem to think that this is a recent discovery. It's not. It's not a find. It's not a discovery. They haven't just been unearthed. The world is, in fact, a very interesting place. Worth a look. Try not to damage anything while you're out there.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

kudzu fire — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:28:51 GMT

waiting to view...

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Jim King, Columbia, MO — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 01:39:05 GMT

I was there in the early 80's and was amazed then at the size of the figures and the magnitude of the site. I'm looking forward to seeing your photos and how much more has been excavated in the past 25 years.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Ally Hauptmann-Gurski — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 01:57:08 GMT

I'd love to go there, too, if I could afford it.
They probably wanted you to stay in the hotel for the weekend and have a build up to film the warriors.
Good psychology (and business).

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Bellestx — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 02:18:32 GMT

Does anyone know why they were buried? It seems I read about it somewhere before, but don't remember. They are incredible.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Elfriede Huntsinger, Bishop, Calif. — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:17:03 GMT

So very glad to have found this site and read the comments. It has reinforced excitement for my trip planned for this November with a local Chamber of Commerce. Thank you and look forward to segment on TV.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Marcel Albersdörfer — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 06:27:10 GMT

Nice Report. I'm looking forward to see this army by myself!

Walking among China's ancient warriors

DNalof, Trabuco Canyon, CA — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:32:30 GMT

The largest loan of the Terra Cotta Warriors in now in the US, with three stops over the next 18mths, The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, CA, then to Texas, and lastly to New York I think in 2009. I was able to see the exhibit and it truly is amazing, the attention to detail from their hair down to the soles of their shoes will amaze you. The idea of these terra cotta warrios as it was explained to me, was to provide the First Emperor with an army in the afterlife, much like the Pharoahs of Egypt. Some good news it that a process has been recently developed that hopefully will be able to preserve the paint on these warriors! All the warriors were painted very vibrant colors and it would be wonderful to such a sight. Looking forward to watching this segment when it airs!

Walking among China's ancient warriors

carlos medina, ny,ny. — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:26:11 GMT

Please, post a link to a website with the photos of these terracota warriors symbol of the tiranical emperor Qxy.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Damahjah — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:02:42 GMT

I visited Xi'an twice...in 2001 and 2003, and it was amazing! I must have taken a thousand pictures, and there was a photo op around every corner, from the 3:30 AM city city-wide clean up to the outside barbers, ti the temples, and the fortress near the center of town, visited by thousands and thousands of birds every morning. The Terra Cotta warriors and the First Emperor's Tomb goes without saying. If you're an American teacher, it would be a shame if you didn't take advantage of the many programs that send teachers to Asia, all expenses paid, and no (or very few) strings attached, but you'd better be in good shape! Everything worth seeing is on top of a hill!

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Michael Portland Oregon — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:43:34 GMT

I visited there in the winter of 2003 during holiday break. I was with a Chinese tour group. There were only about 20 visitors in our group and virtually no other visitors that morning. There were more sellers of tourist trinkets outside than visitors. We were able to get many close up views with pictures. Such an interesting history.

We stayed the night and walked on the City wall and among some of the street vendors in the city center.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Andy, Toronto — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:54:19 GMT

They are soldiers to guard the palace, and the palace is not unearth yet.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Diana, Toronto, On, Canada — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:41:19 GMT

This is in response to the comments made by Norm of St. Louis, Mo. This so called First Emperor was indeed very cruel, but he united China, standardized the units of measurement and the written chinese language.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

kathryn alexandria virginia — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:52:24 GMT

I have also seen documentaries on the tomb built by the same Emperor which exhibits evidence he constructed a mercury lake and river for the vista of his hareem who were buried alive. I have one question, were the tombs and the soldiers covered in soil and buried or did the earth move over them through time. In other words after the Emperors death did people actually see the location and the structures (as the did Ayutiah and the Pyramids) or was the entire necropolis concealed?

Walking among China's ancient warriors

kathryn from alexandria, va. — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:56:03 GMT

Yes There are many many ruins and artifacts in North Africa In Tunisia there are parts of the Roman Aquaduct, Phoenician and Byzantine ruins. The Roman Ruins are better preserved than in Italy. Check out tourist information for Tunisia. The history of the country is amazing It is a moderate Moslem Country very friendly to tourists, the people speak French and Arabic, the food is magnificent and the architecture fantastic. It is clean and moderately priced.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Terry, Huntington Beach, CA — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:04:35 GMT

My wife and I will be seeing a few of the warriors during the So. Cal. visit of the U.S. tour. I'm very excited and can hardly wait. Maybe some day I'll get to see ALL of them in Xian!

Walking among China's ancient warriors

arthur, toronto, canada — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:54:48 GMT

answer to kathryn alexandria - his tomb is meant to be hidden - forever if possible. there are hidden traps and mechanism inside the burial chamber according to history and believed by most historian.

when first emperor was alive - he's very concerned about his safety - e.g. the gate of his palace is made of a huge piece of magnet - so if an assassin is carrying steel/iron weapone will be pinned against the door upon entering. he's very concered about his safety after his died. it's rumored that a group of soldiers killed all the labours sent in to seal off his tomb - and i believe it's true. In the burial chamber and around it - there are many hidden mechanism - like poisoned arrow - which will be triggered and released when a certian weight is placed upon the floor. wow!!! - here it comes!!!

Walking among China's ancient warriors

sue tso — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 07:45:25 GMT

it's so good to see china open up to the world. the NBC reporter is most wonderful writing about bureacracy in china tho i think it exists everywhere in this world, hey how about local healthcare system..duh..uh..darn bureacrats.. how do we change them..yeah...talk about them lot

well, good grief..this First Emperor was the real Hitler no. One. What i remember from grade school history class:

he 'burnt all books' and 'buried scholars' to suppress any sign of revolt.

how true...look at those dissidents and mainland redneck chinese..those die hard protestors..this crazy emperor was really truly disgusted...with anyone who had some knowledge and speaking up...His drastic measures in four little words: burnt books, buried scholars.

when i watched that film 'Farenheit 351'..haha..not futuristic at all..it was human history in china...moral lesson being when scholars knew no limit and were full of non-sense.. some evil tyrant popped up and pulled a stunt act...

my question: was it eerie to visit a tomb like that?

great input from everyone about that city, seems livable with good restaurants.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Qin People, Xi'an China — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 16:10:57 GMT

We love China just like Americans love America.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Kelly Lath, Stratford,CT — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:43:40 GMT

I am an art teacher who has had this subject as part of my curriculum for years. I was wondering if there is access to this video segment for me to use in my classroom. So glad it worked out.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Jennifer, Atlanta, GA — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:49:55 GMT

The exhibit of the warriors at the Bowers will also travel to Atlanta in November, 2008 - at the High Museum of Art (www.high.org) - until April, 2009. This one is the same exhibit that broke all records for The British Museum, so it should be pretty awesome.

Walking among China's ancient warriors

Jimmy James — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:02:02 GMT

I bet there are a few that look alike