Qin Shi Huang (259 BC–210 BC)

The First Emperor of China and a well-known figure in Chinese history, Qin Shi Huang established the Qin dynasty. From 220 BC until 210 BC, during his first emperorship, he united all seven of China's warring kingdoms after they had been divided for generations during the Spring and Autumn, and Warring States periods.

At the young age of 13, Emperor Qin Shi Huang succeeded his father as King of Qin, and at the age of 38, he assumed the throne as the first Emperor of China. However, it is an indisputable fact that Qin Shi Huang was a tyrannical king. As a ruler, he performed various activities that solidified his hegemony.

His accomplishments include standardizing weights and measurements, the lengths of cart and chariot axles, and the unification of the Chinese written language. He established a single currency and a uniform yardstick for measuring, which aided in the equality and efficiency of the economy. He is also credited for connecting the "long walls" of the numerous Warring States into the initial version of the Great Wall to protect China's borders against northern invaders. In addition, he is notorious for trying to rid his court of Confucian influences by "burning the books and burying the professors". Today, the name Qin Shi Huang is best known to readers for the mausoleum built himself, which is home to an army of more than 8,000 terracotta statues of soldiers and horses.

Qin Shi Huang laid the groundwork for China to become East Asia's leading cultural and political power. His reforms also standardized the language, numeric units, and monetary measures. All of these are very important for the sustainable development of the Chinese empire and Chinese culture.

In sum, Emperor Qin Shi Huang:

• was one of the Most Famous Chinese Emperors.
• assumed the throne as the first Emperor of China at the age of 38.
• as a ruler, he performed various activities that solidified his hegemony including language, numeric units, and monetary measures.
• all of these are very important for the sustainable development of the Chinese empire and Chinese culture.