Ep 48. China's Ghost Army

China's Ghost Army is an episode from National Geographic Documentaries season 2011, which takes an in-depth look at one of the most mysterious and awe-inspiring ancient armies of China. The episode explores the existence of a remarkable army of clay soldiers and horses buried with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the third century BC. The soldiers are believed to have been created to protect the emperor in the afterlife, with this Ghost Army serving as both a symbol of the emperor's power and a practical way to ensure his safety in the underworld.

The episode follows a team of archaeologists, scientists, and historians as they uncover the secrets of the Ghost Army, starting with the discovery of the emperor's tomb in the 1970s. Through incredible archival footage, viewers get a sense of the scale of the tomb and the Army, which was buried in underground pits that spanned over 20 acres. The Army was created with incredible attention to detail, with each soldier and horse having a unique facial expression, hairstyle, and armor.

As the team uncovers more information about the Ghost Army, they begin to understand the incredible effort that went into its creation. The soldiers were created by craftsmen using a combination of molds and hand-carving, with the process taking years to complete. The materials used for the soldiers were also carefully chosen, with the soldiers made from clay that had been fired to a high temperature to make them extra durable. The horses in the army, meanwhile, were cast in bronze, adding to the army's impressive appearance.

The team also uncovers the way in which the Ghost Army was organized in its afterlife duties, with soldiers arranged in rows and divisions, each with a specific role to play. The soldiers were equipped with weapons such as swords, spears, and crossbows, while the horses wore elaborate harnesses.

As the episode progresses, the team explores the controversial and often violent reign of Qin Shi Huang, who was known for his ruthless tactics in unifying China. They discuss how the Ghost Army reflects not only the emperor's desire for an impressive afterlife, but also his political aims, with the Army serving as a warning to his enemies and a symbol of his power and control.

Finally, the episode examines how modern technology has allowed for new insights into the Ghost Army. The team uses advanced imaging techniques to reveal hidden details of the soldiers and horses, including the presence of unique pigments and paints that were used to decorate them. They also explore the possibility that the Army was not the only one created by the emperor, with similar pits potentially located elsewhere in China.

Overall, China's Ghost Army is a fascinating look at one of the most impressive archaeological discoveries in history, offering new insights into the artistic and technological achievements of ancient China and the political machinations of one of its most powerful rulers. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, archaeology, and the mysteries of the ancient world.