Qin Shi Huang
Qin Shi Huang, originally named Ying Zheng, was the founder of the Qin Dynasty and the first emperor of a unified China. Born in 259 BC, he ascended the throne of the State of Qin at the age of thirteen following the death of his father, King Zhuangxiang. His reign, from 247 BC to 210 BC, marked a pivotal era in Chinese history for several reasons:
Unification of China
- Under Qin Shi Huang's leadership, the state of Qin conquered the other six Warring States, completing the unification of China by 221 BC. This unification ended the Warring States period and initiated the Imperial China era.
- He proclaimed himself as the 'First Emperor' (Shi Huangdi), setting a precedent for future emperors.
Administrative Reforms
- Legalism became the state philosophy, which emphasized strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order.
- He standardized weights, measures, currency, and even the axle lengths of carts to facilitate trade and governance across the vast empire.
- Implementation of a centralized bureaucracy with appointed officials instead of hereditary nobility.
Major Projects
- The Great Wall: While not the first to build walls, Qin Shi Huang connected and extended existing walls to form what would later be known as the Great Wall of China to protect against invasions from the north.
- Terracotta Army: His tomb, discovered in 1974, contains the famous Terracotta Army, a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, intended to protect him in the afterlife.
- Lingqu Canal: He ordered the construction of the Lingqu Canal to connect the Yangtze River and Pearl River systems, aiding in the transport of supplies for his military campaigns.
Legacy
- His reign is remembered for both its authoritarian nature and its significant contributions to Chinese culture, economy, and governance.
- His policies, while initially effective, led to heavy taxation and labor demands, which eventually contributed to the downfall of the Qin Dynasty shortly after his death.
- The Burning of Books and Burying of Scholars was an attempt to control intellectual thought, leading to the loss of many ancient texts.
Death and Afterlife
- Qin Shi Huang died in 210 BC during an eastern inspection tour. His death was kept secret until his successor, Hu Hai (Second Emperor), could secure his position.
- His tomb, with its elaborate underground necropolis, reflects his obsession with immortality and the afterlife, though it has not been fully excavated due to preservation concerns.
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