The First Empire lasted from 221 BC - 589 AD. The prince of the dominating territory had been taught by Han Fei Zi, a legalist philosopher. Legalism philosophy is concerned with gaining more power and doesn’t take morality, or ethics into account. With this education, the prince, Shi Huangdi, brought China into his power and became the first emperor. This was the beginning of the Qin dynasty. Shi Huangdi took all the land that was held by nobility and divided it into 42 prefectures. His new capital was near Xi’an and he created a palace complex that was 70 km2.
During his reign, there were several raids on China by the Huns. Other military campaigns were done against the aboriginals living south of the Yangtze River. Although China was successful, it was expensive to keep their military up to par so another solution had to be made. Shi Huangdi came up with what has become the most famous symbol of modern and ancient China: The Great Wall of China. The work to build the wall that eventually spanned 2000km was hard, and dangerous work. So many workers died and were buried in the wall of the Great Wall that it became known as the world’s longest graveyard. Despite all this, it was a very effective defense tactic and kept China safe from many invaders. Another thing Shi Huangdi is remembered for is is burial with thousands of terra cotta soldiers to protect him.
Western civilization knows Shi Huangdi for these great achievements, but China remembers a different history. Writing and reading are some of the most important aspects of China’s culture.
During his reign, there were several raids on China by the Huns. Other military campaigns were done against the aboriginals living south of the Yangtze River. Although China was successful, it was expensive to keep their military up to par so another solution had to be made. Shi Huangdi came up with what has become the most famous symbol of modern and ancient China: The Great Wall of China. The work to build the wall that eventually spanned 2000km was hard, and dangerous work. So many workers died and were buried in the wall of the Great Wall that it became known as the world’s longest graveyard. Despite all this, it was a very effective defense tactic and kept China safe from many invaders. Another thing Shi Huangdi is remembered for is is burial with thousands of terra cotta soldiers to protect him.
Western civilization knows Shi Huangdi for these great achievements, but China remembers a different history. Writing and reading are some of the most important aspects of China’s culture.