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SUNDAY | JULY 27 | 1:30 – 3 PM
NORMA KERSHAW AUDITORIUM | DISTINGUISHED LECTURE & BOOK SIGNING

Presented by Dr. Anthony Barbieri, Professor of Early Chinese History, University of California, Santa Barbara

Discover how the rise of China’s mighty Qin Empire was shaped not in isolation, but through unexpected encounters with the ancient world. In this captivating talk, explore the surprising ties between the Qin state—birthplace of the Terracotta Warriors—and the Hellenistic kingdoms of Central Asia. Learn how cultural exchanges with the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom helped forge one of history’s most powerful empires.

During the third century BCE, the Qin Kingdom, with its capital near present-day Xi’an, experienced rapid political and artistic development, culminating in the Qin conquest of continental East Asia by 221 BCE and the establishment of the first territorial empire in China under Ying Zheng, the First Emperor of China.

For most of the last two millennia, this development was considered an isolated, indigenous phenomenon, characterized by the emergence of imperial institutions and culture. However, in recent decades, scholars have engaged in research exploring the external influences and stimuli that impacted the Qin state, coming from Central Asia and further west.

This presentation delves into the archaeological, artistic, and institutional evidence that demonstrates contact between the Hellenistic Greco-Bactrian Kingdom (located in present-day Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) and the Qin state in China during the third century BCE.

The Many Lives of the First Emperor of China by Dr. Anthony Barbieri will be available for purchase in the Gallery Store and a book signing will follow the lecture. 

This lecture is generously sponsored by the Medellas Endowment.

Ticketed Event: Members $15 | General $20 | Purchase individually or as part of a 6-part series package.

Questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 714.567.3677. Proceeds benefit Bowers Museum Education Programs. Tickets are non-refundable.