The Search for Ancient China

The story of the development of archaeology in China across the past century, uncovering evidence of the world's longest continuous civilization

An examination of the latest discoveries in the archaeology of Ancient China, including: the early Neolithic painted pottery; the Shang bronzes; the bronze bells of the Marquis Yi of Zeng; the terracotta army of Qin Shi Huangdi; and the lavish tomb of the Marquis of Dai from the Han dynasty.In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as China opened its doors, archaeologists introduced new field methods that led to important discoveries and the establishment of scientific research bodies.

Now, the splendours of ancient China can be revealed: from the famous terracotta army to the lavish tomb of the Marquis of Dai from the Han dynasty.