8k clay soldiers guarding an ancient tomb

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If you’re into ancient mysteries, Netflix’s Mysteries of the TerracottaWarriors is a must-see. The documentary digs deep into China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who was responsible for the Great Wall of China. The main case in discussion is his mausoleum complex, where 8k clay soldiers guarding his tomb were accidentally found by farmers digging a well in the 1970s.

The effort behind building the tomb was fascinating to see. Each soldier from the colossal Terracotta army was crafted with a unique face and weapon, showing that they were created to protect the emperor even in the afterlife. The documentary uses expert insights and dramatic reenactments to bring ancient China to life.

How have they been preserved all these years? They weren’t. Director James Tovell captures how none of the soldiers were in good condition, and showed the comprehensive restoration work that was needed on these ancient artifacts, revealing the challenges of preserving China’s rich cultural heritage.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the documentary on Netflix or catch the trailer runtime1:53).