Mystery of Cyprus's Terracotta Army: Larger and More Extensive Than China's Army of Qin Shi Huang

Discover the hidden marvel of Cyprus: the Terracotta Army of Agia Eirini. Rivaling China's famous warriors, this extraordinary collection of over 2,000 clay figures offers a unique window into ancient Mediterranean life. Uncover the accidental discovery by a local priest, the meticulous excavation by Swedish archaeologists, and the sanctuary's evolution over 700 years.

From fertility rituals to warrior cults, witness the changing beliefs of ancient Cyprus through its remarkable terracotta figures. Learn how this incredible find reshaped our understanding of ancient Mediterranean culture and continues to captivate the world today. Join us on a journey through time as we explore one of archaeology's most fascinating discoveries.

#TerracottaArmy #AncientCyprus #Archaeology #MediterraneanHistory #AgiaEirini #AncientArt #CulturalHeritage #HistoryMystery #ArchaeologicalDiscovery #AncientReligion

[Automedon]

I thought with a lifetime of documentaries I had heard about just about everything, but I'd never heard of this. Remarkable that something so huge hasn't been covered by many film makers.

[alexmckenna]

Wow! Why isn't this discovery widely known? Amazing.

[MrPINKFLYD]

To say that it rivals China's is a stretch!

[yetanotherjohn]

I'm surprised this is not more famous, what a cool find!

[janetmontgomery-rj]

Really interesting.. I never knew about these figures and they are so amazing and show what a fascinating history Cyprus has. Thank you

[MatthewH-hpbp]

So… in essence, actually NOT larger or more extensive than the Terracotta Army in China 👍🏻

[coffee]

These figures were discovered in 1929 when Cyprus was a British Crown Colony - the North didn't fall under Turkish occupation until 1974.

[nickkoss]

Northern part of Cyprus is occupied illegally by the Turks and their inhabitants. There's no republic of Northern Cyprus. The videos has it wrong.

[Tyler-]

It seems a majority of the fighters are of a smaller size. Definitely doesn’t seem anywhere near the terracotta Warriors in size or number.

[Red_Snapper]

The picture of the Swedish Cyprus Expedition wearing Pith helmets made me shoot coffee out of the my nose.

[Leo]

This is interesting and is an excellent archeological find in it own right, but why need to compared? Plus saying it is larger and more extensive than that of the Chinese terracotta warriors site? I advise you to visit the Chinese archeological site, I was amazed by the immense size of the complex when I visited 10 years ago, the thousands of figures are primarily life-size, plus horses and chariots, and every single one are painstakingly detailed, not simple stylized figurines. From a recent documentary that I saw, Chinese archaeologists are still digging and restoring countless statues.
Maybe the video you’ve shown doesn't do justice to this archeological find, but it looks like only a tiny fraction of the Terracotta Armies site.

[rianbey]

I wish they had closed in on the faces and compared them. Some look like kids made them, some look like garden gnomes and at least one looks Egyptian inspired while others look identical. Seems like indications of different period work and artists. Amazing!!!

[TheOwlsarewatching]

It isn't de facto Turkey. It is Cyprus

[johnandersen]

I see an old man in a hut playing with clay selling figurines to superstitious people.

[bobjackson]

Very interesting, I had never heard of this.

[babylonsburning]

I've been to Cyprus and had not heard about this discovery so thanks for sharing it with me.

[scottprather]

Very interesting thank you for your informative and professional video
Presentation.
* Also really nice not to have stupid sound effects in the background like so many other videos have 👍

[dixgun]

Didn't know about them. 🙏 Well done. They sort of remind me of Sumerian figurines.

[lynncomstock]

It is obviously not an army (warriors). but a group of spectators to the cult worship.

[elefantspidsmus]

I do like, that you bring up the subject of ownership of archaeological artifacts. Museums in Europe and USA are filled with these artifacts.
There is an expression that comes to mind: Tomb Raiding. The museums are filled with deliveries from tomb raiders, grave robbers.
The artifacts have been looted, sold/bought and thus ended up, where they do not belong. We can also call it cultural colonialism.