The Qin Dynasty and Rule of Qin Shi Huangdi

The Qin Dynasty
During the 300s B.C., large kingdoms in China began to conquer smaller ones. The last Zhou kingdom met its end in 256 B.C., bringing the Zhou dynasty to a close. Three independent kingdoms remained in China the Qi, Chu, and Qin (CHIN). These kingdoms fought each other for control of China. The Qin eventually won and united China under their rule.

Rule of Qin Shi Huangdi
The Qin king established the Qin Empire in 221 B.C. He named himself Qin Shi Huangdi (CHIN SHIR HWAHNG»DEE), or "First Emperor of the Qin." The uniting of China by the Qin dynasty is one of the most important events in all Chinese history The importance of the Qin dynasty is reflected in the fact that the name China comes from the word Qin.

Shi Huangdi was born about 259 B.C. He became the king of Qin in 246 B.C., when he was just 13 years old. At first, he depended on advisors, who told him to adopt the teachings of Confucius. When he reached the age of 20 in 239 B.C., the young king rejected this advice. He appointed new advisors who taught him other ideas about governing. These other ideas included the strict following of laws.

The most powerful of Shi Huangdi's new advisors was Li Si (LEE SUH). Shi Huangdi made Li Si his prime minister in 237 B.C. Some Chinese scholars believe that Li Si deserves much of the credit for uniting China.

Later Chinese historians often described the Qin government as cruel and uncaring. According to these historians, all those who were foolish enough to challenge Shi Huangdi were killed along with their families to warn others to obey. ru'im'i Why is the Qin dynasty remembered today?

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