One of the most powerful rulers in history, China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, reigned from 221 to 210 BCE. He is remembered for conquering and unifying China, laying the foundation for the future of Chinese civilization. His influence still lingers today and he remains one of the most recognizable Chinese rulers of all time. Here are some amazing facts to help you understand China’s first emperor.
Emperor Qin Shi Huang
Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor of a unified China and the founder of the Qin dynasty. Under his rule, the separate states of China were united for the first time, leading to a period of prosperity and growth. He initiated a number of major public works projects, including the construction of the Great Wall of China, and implemented a legal code that was the foundation for China’s later legal system.
Early Life
Qin Shi Huang was born in 259 BC as Ying Zheng. He was the son of Emperor Zhuangxiang of Qin, one of the seven warring states that made up China at the time. At the age of 13, he ascended the throne as the ruler of Qin, and in 221 BC he united the seven warring states and proclaimed himself Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of the Qin dynasty.
Military Achievements
Qin Shi Huang is most well-known for his military achievements. He used a combination of diplomatic tactics, military strategies, and technological innovations to defeat each of the seven warring states and unite them under his rule. He also ordered the construction of several major fortifications, including hundreds of miles of protective walls which later became the Great Wall of China.
Legacy
Qin Shi Huang left behind a legacy of significant political and technological innovations, which would shape the future of China for centuries to come. He was the first emperor to implement a standardized system of laws and currency throughout the country, as well as a unified weights and measures system. His public works projects, such as the Great Wall, would develop into grand-scale projects that would become hallmarks of the Chinese landscape.
Administrative Reforms
Qin Shi Huang implemented a number of administrative reforms during his reign. In addition to the legal code, he standardized currency, weights and measures, and the writing system. He also divided the country into 36 administrative regions, with governors appointed to oversee each.
Death
Qin Shi Huang died in 210 BC at the age of 49. Legend has it that he died while searching for an elixir of life in an attempt to be immortal. Although the cause of death is still not known, some historians believe he was poisoned.
The Terracotta Army
Perhaps the most famous monument associated with Qin Shi Huang is the Terracotta Army. The Terracotta Army is an immense collection of 8000 life-sized clay soldiers buried with the emperor in his mausoleum. Each soldier is unique, and the entire army was buried to protect the emperor in the afterlife.
Imperial Tomb
The emperor’s tomb, located near present-day Xi’an, is one of the most impressive tombs in Chinese history. The area around the tomb is decorated with rivers of mercury, constellations of stars, and a ceiling of gold, symbolizing the emperor’s greatness. However, the tomb has not been excavated and it’s still a mystery as to what lies inside.
Qin Shi Huang is one of the most influential Chinese rulers in history. His influence is still felt today and he’s remembered for unifying China, implementing standardized laws and currency, and leaving his mark on the Chinese landscape with the Great Wall of China. He also left behind the Terracotta Army and an unfinished imperial tomb, which remain some of the most impressive monuments in Chinese history.
