Qin shi huang

Definition

Qin Shi Huang, born Ying Zheng, was the first emperor of a unified China, reigning from 221 to 210 BCE. He is renowned for his ambitious projects that included the unification of various warring states into one empire and the establishment of a standardized system of weights, measures, and writing. His reign is also famously marked by the construction of the Terracotta Army, which served as his funerary complex and demonstrated his desire for power and immortality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Qin Shi Huang's real name was Ying Zheng, and he became king at the age of 13 before declaring himself the first emperor of China in 221 BCE.
2. He implemented sweeping reforms, including a centralized bureaucratic system that replaced feudal states, which allowed for greater control over the vast territory.
3. The Terracotta Army consists of over 8,000 soldiers, along with chariots and horses, meticulously crafted to represent the emperor's military strength.
4. Qin Shi Huang is credited with the construction of the initial segments of what would later become the Great Wall of China, intended to defend against invasions from northern tribes.
5. His reign also saw significant advancements in infrastructure, including roads and canals that enhanced trade and communication throughout his empire.

Review Questions

• How did Qin Shi Huang's policies contribute to the unification of China and the establishment of a centralized government?
  • Qin Shi Huang's policies played a crucial role in unifying China by abolishing feudalism and centralizing power under a bureaucratic system. By standardizing weights, measures, and writing, he facilitated trade and communication across different regions. His military conquests eliminated rival states, allowing him to consolidate control over a vast territory and create a more cohesive state structure.
• Discuss the significance of the Terracotta Army in relation to Qin Shi Huang's beliefs about death and the afterlife.
  • The Terracotta Army holds significant importance as it reflects Qin Shi Huang's beliefs about death and the afterlife. He believed that his power needed to extend beyond his earthly life, so he constructed this vast army to accompany him into the afterlife and protect him. This monumental creation symbolizes not only his status as emperor but also his desire for immortality and assurance against threats in death.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Qin Shi Huang's reign on Chinese history and culture, particularly regarding governance and monumental architecture.
  • The long-term impacts of Qin Shi Huang's reign on Chinese history are profound, shaping governance structures that persisted for centuries. His establishment of a centralized bureaucratic system set precedents for future dynasties. Additionally, his monumental projects like the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army influenced Chinese culture by emphasizing collective memory and national identity. These constructions also demonstrated advanced engineering skills that left a legacy of architectural achievement and cultural pride within Chinese civilization.

Related terms

Terracotta Army: An extraordinary collection of life-sized clay soldiers buried with Qin Shi Huang to protect him in the afterlife, discovered in 1974 near Xi'an, China.

Great Wall of China: A series of fortifications built across northern China under Qin Shi Huang’s rule to protect against invasions from nomadic tribes.

Qin Dynasty: The first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221 to 206 BCE, established by Qin Shi Huang after he unified the warring states.