Fact, Discover the Legacy of China's First Emperor

Qin Shi Huang, born in 259 BCE, became the first Emperor of a unified China in 221 BCE. His reign marked the beginning of the Qin Dynasty and a transformative era in Chinese history. Known for his ambition and relentless pursuit of power, Qin Shi Huang implemented sweeping reforms that laid the foundation for China's imperial structure. One of his most significant achievements was the standardization of currency, weights, measures, and even the written script, which facilitated communication and trade across his vast empire. He also commissioned the construction of an extensive network of roads and canals, enhancing connectivity and economic integration. However, his most enduring legacy is the Great Wall of China. Initially built to fend off nomadic invasions, the wall symbolizes the Emperor's determination to protect and consolidate his empire. Qin Shi Huang's quest for immortality led to the creation of the Terracotta Army, a vast collection of life-sized statues buried near his mausoleum to accompany him in the afterlife. Despite his achievements, his rule was marked by harsh legalism and suppression of dissent, including the infamous burning of books and burying of scholars. Qin Shi Huang's reign ended in 210 BCE, but his impact on Chinese civilization endures, shaping the nation's history and identity for centuries.