Qin Shi Huang

Qin Shi Huang was the king of Qin who conquered the rival Warring States and in 221 BCE became the first emperor of a unified Chinese empire. His government replaced many hereditary structures with centrally appointed officials and imposed common systems of writing, measurement, currency and law.

The Qin state also carried out enormous military and construction projects, including roads, frontier walls and the emperor’s vast mausoleum guarded by the Terracotta Army. Harsh laws, heavy labour demands and political repression contributed to rebellion soon after his death in 210 BCE.

John Man’s The Terracotta Army places the thousands of clay soldiers discovered near Xi’an within the life and state-building programme of Qin Shi Huang. Historical accounts that place Qin Shi Huang in context include John Man’s The Great Wall.