The Odyssey with Dan Snow

Dr Richard Miles seeks our ancient treasures and explores our relationship with the past.

Dan Snow embarks on a journey to China, delving into the remarkable story of the Terracotta Army, a vast archaeological treasure lost for over 2,000 years. In 1974, a group of local farmers serendipitously unearthed this ancient wonder, revealing thousands of life-size soldiers prepared for battle even in the afterlife. Beyond the warriors, the discovery also encompasses painted figures, stone armor, and the bones of the Emperor’s mistresses, who met their end alongside their ruler. Dan Snow’s exploration uncovers new insights into the First Emperor of China, a ruler who unified the nation through fear and domination. At the heart of the burial complex lies a giant earth pyramid, serving as the final resting place for the Emperor’s body, guarded for eternity by his formidable Terracotta Army.