Abstract

Deep X-ray surveys with Chandra and XMM -Newton have revolutionised our view of the growth of distant black holes by revealing Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) out to high redshifts; the deepest X-ray surveys are sensitive to the identification of typical AGN out to z~4, almost irrespective of the presence of heavy obscuration. I will review our current understanding of the growth of distant black holes from the deepest Chandra surveys, including recent results from the 4 Ms Chandra Deep Field South observations. I will also discuss our searches for the most heavily obscured AGNs, explore the connections between star formation and AGN activity, invesigate the role of environment in the growth of black holes, and look towards how new facilites will improve our understanding of the growth of distant black holes.