One of the most famous emperors of China, Qin Shi Huang was born Ying Zheng in 259 BCE. Along with other Chinese legends like Lu Bu, he is portrayed as a tyrannical ruler in works like the manga Record of Ragnarok, which brings his reputation beyond historical writings into contemporary popular culture. Not only did he unite a divided nation through his military achievements, but he also brought about revolutionary reforms that brought even more fame to him. Nevertheless, his legacy is multi-faceted, characterized by genius as well as controversy owing to his autocratic approaches.
Throughout the Warring States period (475-221 BCE), China was a hodgepodge of competing kingdoms prior to Qin Shi Huang's rule. Ying Zheng, who became emperor of Qin at the tender age of thirteen, conquered the six main states by 221 BCE after launching a series of calculated military battles. His self-proclamation as Qin Shi Huang, literally "First Emperor of Qin," marked the beginning of China's first centralized empire (Britannica: Qin Shi Huang). The establishment of a unified governmental and cultural entity through this unification was a watershed event that determined the course of China's history.
Discovered in 1974 close to Qin Shi Huang's tomb in Xi'an, the Terracotta Army is one of the most remarkable artifacts left by the Chinese emperor. More than eight thousand life-size sculptures, including archers, charioteers, horses, officials, musicians, and even a strongman, were made to protect the emperor in his afterlife (National Geographic: Qin Shi Huangdi). Constructed by 700,000 workers, the army showcases the artistic and organizational brilliance of the Qin dynasty. Every one of these figures is special in its own way, and they all tell stories about the culture and military of that time.
Conquest was just one part of Qin Shi Huang's plan for a united China. He simplified government and communication by standardizing the writing system and making sure characters were the same everywhere (HISTORY: Qin Dynasty). In order to facilitate trade and ensure compatibility with infrastructure, he also standardized weights, measurements, and the lengths of wagon axles. The introduction of a new imperial currency deepened economic integration and promoted unity throughout the empire. Managing such a large and varied area necessitated these changes.
Qin Shi Huang began building the Great Wall by connecting preexisting fortifications and adding new portions; eventually, it was expanded. Protecting the country from northern invaders like the Xiongnu, the walled district cities spread out over more than 10,000 li (about 3,000 miles) and served as a symbol of China's unity (World History Encyclopedia: Qin Dynasty). This project showcases the emperor's ambition as well as the human cost of his vision, since countless laborers worked tirelessly on it, often in extremely difficult conditions.
Qin Shi Huang instituted a central bureaucracy and abolished the feudal system that had existed under the Zhou dynasty. Each of the 36 command regions of the empire was assigned a military commander, a civil administrator, and an imperial inspector who reported directly to him. A revolutionary change that improved administrative efficiency, this meritocracy put an emphasis on talent rather than aristocratic birth (Britannica: Qin Shi Huang). To further solidify his grip on power, he moved powerful families to Xianyang, the capital, and melted down confiscated weaponry.
Criticism of Qin Shi Huang's rule was widespread. Dictatorial policies based on Legalism resulted in severe punishments. To quell dissenting opinions, he had all books burned in 213 BCE, with the exception of those dealing with Qin history, divination, agriculture, and medicine. Following this, he had 460 Confucian academics beheaded for speaking out against his reign; this move has been criticized by historians who came after him (National Geographic: Qin Shi Huangdi). These deeds show his will to dominate ideas, but they also bring charges of despotism, which will disgrace his legacy.
Qin Shi Huang has accomplished tremendous things, controversy be damned. His efforts to unite a fragmented nation, standardize its procedures, and initiate world-renowned enterprises such as the Great Wall and Terracotta Army are truly remarkable. For ages, his model of centralised government shaped Chinese administration. All of this and more was achieved during his brief eleven-year reign (221-210 BCE), solidifying his reputation as the "King of the Kings," a figure who united lesser monarchs under a common banner and changed the face of China's history.
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