The history of China can never be complete without mentioning Qin Shi Huang. Known as the first emperor, Huang developed the military, administrative, and economic policies that unified all of China for the first time. He also oversaw the construction of several historical monuments, including the precursor to the Great Wall of China. However, Huang was not without his flaws. He oversaw the murder of numerous scholars to maintain the greatness of his dynasty. Want to learn more about this important historical figure? Then come with us.
Qin Shi Huang’s Early Life and Background Information
Qin Shi Huang (birth name – Ying Zheng or ZhaoZheng) was born in February 259 BC. Born. His father was Prince Yiren, who later became King Zhuangxiang of Qin State. His mother used to be the concubine of a rich merchant and her name was Lady Zhao.
Some sources state that Huang is in fact the biological son of the aforementioned wealthy merchant, but this has been dismissed as an attempt to tarnish his image. At the time Qin was born, China consisted of seven states that constantly fought each other. This period was called the “Warring States Period” and Huang learned about these wars as well as the history of China.
All these wanted to prepare him for war one day leadership of the state of Qin. Huang’s father died in 246 BC. However, he was young at the time (13 years old) and as such a temporary leader was appointed.
What were his achievements?
Qin Shi Huang officially assumed full power at the age of 22 (235 BC) and immediately began ruthlessly implementing his grand plan to unite all of China. He first used his military power and conquered the remaining six states. The first case was the Han state, followed by the states of Zhao, Wei, Chu, Yan, and Qi (221 BC).
Qin Shi Huang also began building a vast network of roads and canals, which greatly improved trade and travel. Finally, the self-proclaimed emperor ordered the harmonization and unification of the scripts of the Chinese language.
However, Huang’s reign was not without its negatives. The emperor firmly believed in the supremacy of his Qin dynasty and rejected any religion or school of thought that contradicted this belief. Therefore he gathered hundreds if not thousands of dissenting scholars and executed them. Huang also ordered the burning of all texts except books on agriculture, medicine, and historical records of the Qin dynasty.
How did Qin Shi Huang die?
Encouraged by his ability to unite all of China, Qin Shi Huang boasted that his Qin dynasty would last 10,000 generations. So he went in search of an elixir that would make him immortal in order to fulfill his prophecy. Huang consulted several masters, sorcerers and teachers without success. The Emperor later sent out a ship carrying hundreds of men and women in search of Anqi Sheng, a magician believed to be 1000 years old. These people never found the wizard and all fled to avoid certain death.
Huang eventually fell ill during his fourth tour of eastern China and died on September 10, 210 BC. His death threw his court into disarray as they knew that revelation of his death would lead to the collapse of his united empire. These advisors therefore hid his death until they returned to the capital, Xianyang, two months later.
Qin Shi Huang was eventually buried in a huge mausoleum he built during his lifetime. In his tomb was a huge terracotta army of 8,000 soldiers, horses and chariots. It also contained thousands of life-size figures (archers, infantrymen, musicians, and entertainers) who would keep him company in the afterlife.
Interesting facts about the founder of the Qin Dynasty
1. His terracota tomb complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987
2. He survived several assassination attempts, including one with a lead-filled flute.
3. He never married but had numerous concubines and fathered about 50 children.
4. Qin Shi Huang oversaw the construction of the Lingqu Canal in southern China.
5. He reportedly died as a result of a toxic chemical he ingested on his quest for eternal life.