Qin Dynasty (221-207BC)
In 221 BC, the kingdom of Qin had conquered all of its opposing kingdoms in China, starting a new dynasty. The king pronounced himself Qin Shi Huangdi or "First Emperor of China".
Improvements in Infrastructure and Internal Affairs
The Great Wall of China: the largest man-made structure in the world. Built by Shi Huangdi, it protected the country from the northern Huns.
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Shi Huangdi also made the nobles live in his capital of Xianyang and disassembled their armies.
A 19th century Korean depiction of Shi Huangdi in his emperor garments.
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A 19th century Korean depiction of Shi Huangdi in his emperor garments.
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Promoting Trade
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Qin currency and writing, which were both standardized during Shi Huangdi's reign as emperor. |
With better currency, writing, and infrastructure, China flourished. However, people's rights were greatly inhibited. Shi Huangdi used brute force to keep his people in line. He burned books he disagreed with and had the scholars who wrote them executed harshly.
After Shi Huangdi's death in 210 BC, the dynasty dissipated. Liu Pang, one of the generals of the army founded the Han dynasty when he defeated his opposition. However, Shi Huangdi's tomb is the most elaborate and unusual of any emperor because it contains an army of life-size terra-cotta figures, which were to serve him in the afterlife.
Aerial view of Shi Huangdi's tomb with terra-cotta warriors. Note that each warrior's face is different. Click to enlarge.
Aerial view of Shi Huangdi's tomb with terra-cotta warriors. Note that each warrior's face is different. Click to enlarge.