Qin Dynasty

ancient China · empire · history · first

Unified China fast. In just 11 years starting in 230 BC, the Qin state conquered all the rival kingdoms and brought them together under one ruler for the very first time in Chinese history.

One remarkable leader. A king named Ying Zheng declared himself Qin Shi Huang, which means the first emperor of China, and created the imperial system that would rule China for nearly 2,000 years.

Super short reign. Even though the Qin dynasty lasted only 14 years and had just two emperors, it changed everything about how China would be organized and governed forever.

Legacy that lasted. The Han dynasty that came next kept all of the Qin's military and government ideas, so the Qin's influence continued for centuries and inspired the Chinese imperial system until 1911.

End of chaos. The Qin dynasty ended the Warring States period, when many kingdoms fought constantly, bringing peace and unity to the entire land for the first time.