Qin Shi Huang

Qin Shi Huang (Ying Zheng) (260-210 BC) – Emperor of the first unified state of China. From an early age, he was King of the state of Qin. During his lifetime, he conquered all the seven warring and diverging states – becoming the first person to unify China. He took the title Emperor of the Qin dynasty and shaped the history of modern China.

Qin Shi Huang used his power and influence to standardise Chinese customs, teachings, and political practices. He was ruthless in dealing with opposition, burning books and executing scholars who opposed his centralisation. Qin Shi Huang is credited with unifying fragmented walls in northern China to complete the Great Wall of China – providing a bulwark against Mongols to the north.

Fixatedony his own immortality, during his lifetime he ordered the building of a city-sized mausoleum, guarded by a life-sized Terracotta army. He ruled as King of Qin from 247BC to 220 BC, and as Emperor of China from 220 BC to 210 BC.