World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century

From the museum that brought you the U.S. premiere of China's Terracotta Warriors in 2008, Bowers proudly presents new groundbreaking discoveries with World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century! Explore China’s captivating early history through recent archaeological finds from Shaanxi Province, learning why it is hailed as a cradle of ancient Chinese civilization. Traverse millennia, from Shimao around 2300 BCE—among the earliest walled cities in China—to pivotal sites of the Shang and Zhou eras, culminating in the iconic terracotta warriors commissioned by the Qin emperor and completed after his death in 210 BCE.

The discovery of the first terracotta army pit in the 1970s turned a great deal of global attention to the life and legacy of Qin Shihuang, the Qin emperor. In 2008, Bowers Museum made history by hosting the groundbreaking exhibition Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor, captivating audiences with these awe-inspiring cultural relics. Expanding upon this legacy, the 2011 exhibition Warriors, Tombs, and Temples: China's Enduring Legacy examined the enduring influence of the Qin emperor's funerary traditions on subsequent dynasties.

Now, archaeological finds in Shaanxi within the past two decades have revealed new information about pre-dynastic China’s political landscape and artistic achievements. World of the Terracotta Warriors comprises over 120 newly uncovered treasures including terracotta warriors, chariot regalia, jade and gold adornments, bronze vessels, and much, much more. In a landmark collaboration with the Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center and esteemed museums and archaeological institutions across Shaanxi Province, these artifacts make their North American debut, offering audiences unprecedented glimpses into China before and during the Qin dynasty.