Wednesday 1 April 2015

The Emperor of the Steppes



Hordes of men on horseback dominated the steppes of central Asia 2,000 years ago. They were the Hsiung-nu and their vast empire reigned from 300 BC to 200 AD. From conquests to defeats, their history is written in blood and fire. Fearsome archers on horseback, the Hsiung-nu crossed the steppes of Mongolia. Opposing the Hsiung-nu warriors was an equally fearsome army, comprised of Chinese warriors who considered the Hsiung-nu to be barbarians.
The first emperor of China had life-sized reproductions of his men placed in his tomb, each with unique facial features. Comprised of foot soldiers, archers, crossbowmen and cavalry riders, this phantom army mounted an eternal guard over its emperor Qin Shi-huang, the Hsiung-nu's worst enemy. Writing was not known by the Hsiung-nu - archaeological remains are the only trace of their history.
Now, "Emperor Of The Steppes" takes viewers on an a breathtaking Archaeological expedition to recover traces of Hsiung-nu history at the Gol Mod site in Mongolia. Believed to be the world's largest archaeological undertaking, this expedition may reveal previously unknown insights into Mongolian history dating back to the 2nd century BC. Viewers will gain a close-up view as daylight reaches the tombs for the first time in 2000 years and the Necropolis reveals its ancient riches.

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