Entombed Warriors, The

1983, 47 Minutes

In 1974 peasants quietly digging a well in the fields outside Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, unearthed by chance what soon would be recognised as one of the most incredible archaeological treasures ever revealed...a 6000 strong life-size terracotta army.  

As the earth was carefully removed, the warriors, horses, chariots were found in full battle formation, ready to defend the tomb of Ch'in (Qin) Shih-Huang, the first Emperor of China and founder of the Qin dynasty.  

This film is the story of Ch'in Shih-Huang, undoubtedly one of the most remarkable men who ever lived. He unified China; ordered the Great Wall built; standardised coinage, weights and measures and the axle widths of all carts and chariots to allow ease of travel throughout the whole land. He built a canal system and - in his own honour - he built a truly amazing burial ground.

Emperor Chin Shih-Huang’s achievements - the monuments of his reign - are interwoven into this film with the enthralling story of his legacy to modern China.

Produced by Film Australia in association with the International Cultural Corporation of Australia Ltd., and the Australia-China Council. © 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.