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Han - Tang
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| Much of what came
to constitute our modern day concept of China was unified for the
first time in 221 BCE. In that year, the western frontier state of
Qin, the most aggressive of the six remaining "warring states", subjected
the other states into submissiveness. For the first time in Imperial
Chinese history the states were merged under one unified ruling empire.
Visible symbols of imperial power such as an emperor's palace and
a capital city named Xianyang were established. |
 The
first emperor of China, Qin Shihuangdi (221 BCE - 210 BCE) was a driven
man. During his reign he founded a centralized state with currency,
standardized weights and measures, and developed a single legal code.This
was accomplished through the foundation of Legalism. |
 Legalism
was based on the belief that man is evil by nature and needs to be
disciplined through fear and harsh punishment. Legalism was governed
by a centralized military administration through aristocrats and politicians.
All citizens were forced into what Qin considered "productive occupations"
- in Qin's eyes these were agriculture and military following. He
did not believe merchants and intellectuals had much value to society.
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 To
fend off barbarian intrusion, Qin ordered the development of what
is known today as the Great Wall. The Great Wall was initially 5,000
kilometers long and separated the imperial western and northern state
borders. |
 Over the next three dynasties (and nearly 2,000 years) this wall was extended
to form the longest defensive barrier known to civilization. This wall helped
to significantly strengthen the newly formed imperial regime and drew the
boundary between the barbaric and civilized worlds. |
| Qin, pronounced "Chin", was a tyrant leader with little
patience for error. A humanitarian he was not, but Qin had honorable qualities
for finding resolution, he gave careful and deliberate attention to detail,
and had the energy of ten men combined. Although he is honored today for
his accomplishments, the ruthless and heartless way he achieved them led
to his ultimate demise after only 11 years of leadership.
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 Nearly
two millennia later in 1974, the tomb of Qin Shihuangdi was discovered
in the city of Lintong by farmers who were digging a water well. Qin
Shihuangdi's tomb is one of the most spectacular archeological discoveries
in China during the 20th century. |
The 6,000 meticulously detailed, life-sized terracotta warrior statues
are just one of the highlights of the astounding quantities of tomb
goods that are being discovered. |
Excavations of this remarkable tomb are ongoing
still, even as you re exploring this web site, and they aren't expected
to be complete for at least 15 more years. The Qin dynasty lasted a mere
14 years (from 221 BCE to 207 BCE) and was ultimately conquered by the future
Han dynasty leaders.page3[ Back to top ]
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