Chinese archaeologist traces link between Terracotta Warriors and Greece

The Terracotta Warriors in China may have been influenced by the ancient Greek sculpture, and the locals may have been taught by Greek artisans who arrived in the area in the 3rd century BC, according to a report issued by BBC on Wednesday. But how likely is such an interpretation?

"Ten years ago I did not believe in the version of western influence. In recent years, however, intense discussions have been held on the West and East contacts relating to the terracotta warrior of Qin and my study has begun to focus on this issue. However, more research is needed to discover further evidence such as finding Greek names or human skeletons," said Li Xiuzhen, archaeologist at the Museum of the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, with extensive experience in field excavations, such as the research in the area where the terracotta warriors of 221 BC were found.

"Recently in a speech I focused on the Chinese art and culture. In Chinese tradition, people produced small terracotta statuettes instead of human sacrifice, but the terracotta warriors, acrobats and bronze statues of Qin period (221-206 BC) are unique, compared with both the previous and the subsequent terracotta miniatures that characterise the Chinese art," she added. 

Chinese artists used to build small-sized statues and sign their names on them. So far neither a Greek or other Western name has been been recognised. Scientists believe that the real-sized Terracotta Warriors and Acrobats were built after Alexander the Great arrived in Central Asia. After his death in 323 BC, the East maintained trade activities with the West during the Hellenistic period. The Terracotta Warriors were discovered by accident in 1974 from Chinese farmers and the Acrobats later in 1999.

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