Description
- The Qin Dynasty was the first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221–206 BC. It was founded by the King of Qin, Ying Zheng, who unified the Warring States and became the first emperor of a unified China. The Qin Dynasty was known for its military might, its legalist philosophy, and its ambitious construction projects.
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- The Qin Dynasty was a period of great political and social upheaval. The Qin rulers sought to unify China under a single, centralized government. To this end, they standardized the Chinese writing system, currency, weights and measures, and the legal code. They also built a network of roads and canals to facilitate communication and transportation.
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- The Qin Dynasty was also known for its military might. The Qin rulers built a powerful army, which was used to conquer and expand the empire. The Qin army was well-equipped and well-trained, and it was able to defeat the other warring states and unify China.
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- The Qin Dynasty was also known for its legalist philosophy. The Qin rulers believed in a strict adherence to the law, and they sought to impose a uniform legal code throughout the empire. This legal code was known as the “Legalist Code”, and it was based on the idea that the law should be applied equally to all people, regardless of their social status.
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- The Qin Dynasty was also known for its ambitious construction projects. The Qin rulers built the Great Wall of China to protect the empire from invasion. They also built the Lingqu Canal, which connected the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers and allowed for easier transportation of goods and people.
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- The Qin Dynasty was also known for its harsh rule. The Qin rulers were known for their cruelty and their willingness to execute anyone who opposed them. They also imposed heavy taxes on the people, which caused widespread poverty and discontent.
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- The Qin Dynasty ended in 206 BC, when the last Qin ruler was overthrown by a peasant rebellion. The Qin Dynasty was followed by the Han Dynasty, which lasted from 206 BC to 220 AD. The Han Dynasty was a period of great prosperity and cultural achievement, and it is often seen as the golden age of Chinese civilization.
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- The Qin Dynasty was a period of great political and social upheaval, and it left a lasting legacy on Chinese culture. The Qin rulers unified China and laid the foundations for a centralized government. They also standardized the Chinese writing system, currency, weights and measures, and the legal code. The Qin Dynasty was also known for its ambitious construction projects, its legalist philosophy, and its harsh rule. The Qin Dynasty ended in 206 BC, and it was followed by the Han Dynasty.
Kings from Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)
- Qin Shi Huang (221–210 BC): The first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shi Huang unified China and established the first centralized Chinese state. He is remembered for his massive construction projects, including the Great Wall of China, and for his brutal methods of rule.
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- Qin Er Shi (210–207 BC): The second emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Qin Er Shi was the son of Qin Shi Huang. He continued his father's policies of centralization and expansion, and is remembered for his military campaigns against the Xiongnu.
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- Ziying (207–206 BC): The third emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Ziying was the son of Qin Er Shi. He was the last ruler of the Qin Dynasty, and is remembered for his attempts to restore the power of the nobility and for his unsuccessful attempt to resist the forces of Liu Bang, who would eventually overthrow the Qin Dynasty.
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- Huiwen (207–206 BC): The fourth emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Huiwen was the son of Qin Er Shi. He is remembered for his attempts to restore the power of the nobility and for his unsuccessful attempt to resist the forces of Liu Bang.
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- Fusu (207–206 BC): The fifth emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Fusu was the son of Qin Er Shi. He is remembered for his attempts to restore the power of the nobility and for his unsuccessful attempt to resist the forces of Liu Bang.
Timeline of Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)
- 221 BC: Qin Shi Huang unifies China and establishes the Qin Dynasty.
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- 219 BC: The Great Wall of China is completed.
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- 214 BC: The Qin Dynasty begins construction of the Grand Canal.
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- 213 BC: The Legalist system of government is established.
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- 210 BC: The Qin Dynasty begins construction of the Lingqu Canal.
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- 209 BC: The Qin Dynasty conquers the state of Chu.
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- 208 BC: The Qin Dynasty conquers the state of Yan.
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- 207 BC: The Qin Dynasty conquers the state of Qi.
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- 206 BC: The Qin Dynasty is overthrown by a peasant rebellion.