Qín Shǐ Huáng (秦始皇)

Qin Shi Huang: The First Emperor of China **Early Life and Background** Born in 259 BCE as Ying Zheng, Qin Shi Huang ascended to the throne of the Qin state at just 13 years old. His father, King Zhuangxiang, died early, leaving the young ruler under the regency of his chancellor, Lü Buwei. By 221 BCE, after decades of ruthless military campaigns, Zheng conquered the warring states of China, unifying the country for the first time and declaring himself *Qin Shi Huang*—"First Emperor of Qin." **Major Achievements** Qin Shi Huang’s reign was transformative. He standardized weights, measures, currency, and the Chinese script, creating a unified system that strengthened administration. His most famous project, the Great Wall, connected existing fortifications to defend against northern invasions. He also built the massive Terracotta Army to guard his tomb—a testament to his obsession with immortality and power. **Historical Significance** As China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang established the centralized imperial system that lasted over 2,000 years. His Legalist policies—emphasizing strict laws and harsh punishments—consolidated control but also sparked rebellions after his death. **Interesting Facts** - Paranoid about assassination, he slept in different rooms nightly. - He sent expeditions to find the elixir of life, consuming mercury-laced pills that may have contributed to his death in 210 BCE. - The Terracotta Army, discovered in 1974, includes over 8,000 life-sized soldiers, each with unique facial features. **Legacy** Though his dynasty collapsed shortly after his death, Qin Shi Huang’s unification of China laid the foundation for its cultural and political identity. Today, he remains a controversial figure—both a visionary unifier and a tyrant—but undeniably one of history’s most influential rulers.