Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor of a unified China, born in 259 BCE and ruling over the Qin dynasty from 221 to 210 BCE He is remembered as a ruthless ruler who consolidated power and laid the foundations for today's modern Chinese state. His accomplishments include the establishment of a centralized government, the construction of new roads and fortifications, the imposition of a common currency, and the unification of the written script. Additionally, he ordered the construction of the Great Wall, created an extensive secret police force, and undertook major legal reforms. He is also remembered for his fierce authoritarian rule, a reign that resulted in an estimated 2-3 million deaths.
Qin Shi Huang is an interesting topic for a variety of reasons. Firstly, he is remembered for unifying a fragmented China and developing a powerful centralized government that has been the basis of Chinese rule over the past 2000 years. Secondly, he ordered the construction of the world-renowned Great Wall, a monumental project believed to have been started before his reign, but completed during it. Thirdly, his reign was marked by violent and oppressive rule by his secret police force, the "Inspectors of the Ten Thousand", who enforced his will on the people of the Qin dynasty. Fourthly, the legal reforms that he implemented have been used by subsequent Chinese governments as a basis for modern Chinese law. Lastly, his obsession with immortality ultimately led to his death in 210 BCE, making him a historical figure whose life has been studied ever since.
Given his status as the first emperor of unified China, Qin Shi Huang is an interesting topic to explore and understand. His accomplishments in unifying ancient China, constructing the Great Wall, and reforming the legal system are all reasons to study his life. Additionally, his ruthless authoritarian rule and obsession with immortality make his life a fascinating topic for academic research. Finally, his death in 210 BCE effectively ended his reign, making him a significant figure in the history of China and inspiring countless debates about the impact of his life and rule.