Chén Shèng (陈胜)

Chen Sheng: The Rebel Who Shook the Qin Dynasty **Early Life and Background** Chen Sheng (陈胜, d. 208 BCE) was born into poverty as a peasant in Yangcheng (modern-day Henan Province) during the oppressive Qin Dynasty. Little is known about his early years, but his humble origins fueled his resentment toward the Qin regime, known for its harsh laws, heavy taxes, and forced labor. **Major Achievements and Contributions** In 209 BCE, Chen Sheng and his comrade Wu Guang led the **Dazexiang Uprising**, China’s first large-scale peasant rebellion. Stranded by floods while escorting convicts to a worksite, they faced execution for delay. Instead, Chen famously declared, *"Are kings and nobles born to their titles?"*—challenging the Qin’s rigid hierarchy. Rallying hundreds, then thousands, they captured territory and declared a short-lived state, *"Zhang Chu."* Though the rebellion was crushed within months, it ignited widespread revolts that toppled the Qin by 206 BCE. **Historical Significance** Chen Sheng’s revolt exposed the Qin’s fragility and inspired future rebels, including Liu Bang, founder of the Han Dynasty. His defiance symbolized the power of collective action against tyranny, earning him a place in Chinese lore as a pioneer of popular uprisings. **Interesting Facts** - His rallying cry, *"A nobleman isn’t born noble!"* (王侯将相宁有种乎), became a proverb. - To boost morale, he hid a note in a fish reading *"Chen Sheng will be king"*, staging a "divine prophecy." **Legacy** Chen Sheng is celebrated in literature, including Sima Qian’s *Records of the Grand Historian*, as a flawed but courageous leader. His story underscores themes of justice and resistance, influencing Chinese cultural narratives about rebellion and social mobility. Though his reign was brief, Chen Sheng’s spark helped burn down an empire.