Qin Shi Huang (Ying Zheng) was the first emperor of a unified China, known for standardizing laws, writing, and measurements, constructing the Great Wall, and commissioning the Terracotta Army. His reign from 246 BCE to 210 BCE marked the beginning of the Qin dynasty and laid the foundations for imperial China.
Qin defeats Zhao in a brutal battle, massacring 400,000 captives—a precursor to unification. #history #china
Ying Zheng is born in Handan, the capital of Zhao, to Qin prince Yiren and Lady Zhao. #history #china
Young Ying Zheng escapes from Zhao with his father Yiren, aided by merchant Lü Buwei. #history #china
Yiren ascends the throne as King Zhuangxiang, with Lü Buwei as chancellor. #history #china
At age 13, Ying Zheng becomes King of Qin after his father's death, with Lü Buwei as regent. #history #china
The Zheng Guo Canal is completed later, transforming the Guanzhong plain into a granary. #history #china
Engineer Zheng Guo begins building an irrigation canal to boost Qin's agricultural productivity. #history #china
Five states unite to attack Qin but are defeated, showcasing Qin's military strength. #history #china
King Ying Zheng crushes a rebellion led by Lao Ai, a rival court eunuch, consolidating his power. #history #china
Ying Zheng forces chancellor Lü Buwei into exile after scandal, taking full control of the state. #history #china
Qin annexes the Han state, the weakest of the Warring States, beginning the unification campaign. #history #china
Qin defeats Zhao after a siege of Handan, with General Wang Jian leading the campaign. #history #china
Qin forces capture the Wei capital Daliang, ending the Wei state. #history #china
After initial setbacks, Qin under Wang Jian conquers Chu, the largest southern state. #history #china
Qin forces defeat Yan, capturing Prince Dan who had sent an assassin. #history #china
Qi surrenders without major resistance, completing the unification of China under Qin. #history #china
The emperor orders uniform written characters, weights, measures, and axle lengths across the empire. #history #china
Ban Liang coins are introduced as the national currency, replacing varied state coinages. #history #china
Ying Zheng adopts the title 'Shi Huangdi' (First Emperor), claiming a divine mandate to rule. #history #china
Axle lengths are standardized to fit into uniform ruts, improving road transport efficiency. #history #china
Qin Shi Huang travels to the west, erecting steles to proclaim his achievements. #history #china
The emperor performs the Feng and Shan sacrifices on Mount Tai, asserting his heavenly mandate. #history #china
Zhang Liang attempts to assassinate the emperor with a heavy iron cone but misses. #history #china
General Meng Tian leads a large army north to expel the Xiongnu nomads and secure the frontier. #history #china
Roads and highways are built to connect the empire, including the Straight Road to the north. #history #china
Existing northern fortifications are linked to form a continuous defensive wall against the Xiongnu. #history #china
Qin armies subdue the Baiyue peoples in what is now Guangdong and Guangxi. #history #china
The Lingqu Canal is built to connect the Xiang and Li rivers for military transport to the south. #history #china
Chancellor Li Si enforces strict legalist policies, including harsh punishments and centralized control. #history #china
Li Si proposes burning of books that criticize the new regime, keeping only practical and Qin records. #history #china
Over 460 scholars are executed or buried alive for opposing the burning of books. #history #china
The Epang Palace, a lavish complex, is begun on the south bank of the Wei River. #history #china
Hundreds of palaces are constructed across the empire, imitating the conquered states' architecture. #history #china
Thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors are crafted to accompany the emperor in the afterlife. #history #china #art
Qin Shi Huang dies at age 49 during a tour; death is kept secret to allow political maneuvering. #history #china
The emperor travels east, seeking the elixir of life from immortals. #history #china
The emperor is interred in a massive tomb complex near modern Xi'an, guarded by the Terracotta Army. #history #china #archaeology
Eunuch Zhao Gao conspires with Hu Hai to alter the succession after the emperor's death. #history #china
Peasant revolt led by Chen Sheng and Wu Guang initiates rebellions that will topple the Qin dynasty. #history #china
Hu Hai, son of Qin Shi Huang, ascends as the Second Emperor under the influence of Zhao Gao. #history #china