Blowing Up History Season 2 Episode 10 Treasures Of The Terracotta Army

Blowing Up History season 2 episode 10 is named Treasures Of The Terracotta Army and delves into one of the most fascinating discoveries of the ancient world. The episode tells the story of the unearthing of the Terracotta Army, the stunning collection of life-size clay soldiers, chariots and horses buried alongside the emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, around 2,200 years ago.

The episode is narrated by experts and historians and employs the use of computer-generated imagery to reveal the secrets behind the Terracotta Army's construction and its significance in Chinese history. The discovery of the army counts as one of the greatest archeological finds in modern history. It is a significant piece that marked China's transition from fragmented warring states to a unified kingdom.

The episode starts with a brief history of China's dynastic past, which shows different ruling groups and internal conflicts through the centuries which led to the emergence of the Qin Kingdom during 221-206BC. The program then zooms in on the ruler who wanted to establish his supremacy by constructing a mausoleum that would surpass any built before him. To that end, he commissioned his generals to create the Terracotta Army that would act as his warriors in the afterlife. The army was placed near the tomb so as to assure the protection of the emperor even beyond his lifetime.

The episode then goes on to reveal how the army was created from scratch. Over 700,000 laborers crafted around 8,000 unique terracotta figures, each with different facial features, hairstyles, and expressions, all of which differ based on their respective positions. The army members also bore real weapons as well.

The show then explores the mystery that shrouded the reason behind burying this grand army beside the emperor. The discovery of the Terracotta Army has thrown a light on China’s ancient times, bringing up an entirely new line of questioning for historians and archeologists alike. The episode highlights various theories that swirl around the purpose of Emperor Qin's tomb and the Terracotta Army's creation. Some suggest that the army was divided into different units representing the warrior's positions in the imperial army and that the war strategies of the empire were modeled upon them. Another theory indicates that the figures were created primarily to protect the emperor's resting place from robbers and attackers.

The episode concludes by examining the long and challenging process of unearthing the Terracotta Army, which was buried for over 2,000 years. The show outlines how the first discoverer chanced upon the warrior's tomb. Subsequently, digging up the area required archeologists to excavate an area of about 16,000 square meters under strict conditions and methods, lest the delicate artifacts got contaminated or damaged. The episode thus captures the nerve-wracking work of excavating the Terracotta Army piece by piece in the most careful manner to preserve every little detail of this fascinating part of history.

Blowing Up History season 2 episode 10 is a must-watch for anyone interested in archaeology, Chinese culture, and ancient warfare. It presents a fascinating part of history in a comprehensive and intriguing manner, leaving the viewer with a desire to explore more about Emperor Qin's dynasty and the brave soldiers he created to protect him.