When was Qin Shi Huang born and what was his birth name?
Qin Shi Huang was born in 259 BC as Zhao Zheng. He was the son of Prince Yiren and Lady Zhao, though some ancient accounts claim he was actually the son of Lü Buwei.
Questions about Qin Shi Huang
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Qin Shi Huang unify China during the Warring States period?
Qin Shi Huang unified China by conquering six major states between 230 BC and 221 BC. The state of Han fell first in 230 BC, followed by Zhao, Yan, Wei, Chu, and finally Qi in 221 BC.
What administrative reforms did Qin Shi Huang implement after unification?
Qin Shi Huang abolished the feudal system and organized the empire into commanderies, counties, townships, and hundred-family units. Appointments were based on merit instead of hereditary right to ensure centralized control.
Why did Qin Shi Huang order books to be burned in 213 BC?
Qin Shi Huang ordered most existing books to be burned at the instigation of Li Si to enforce Legalism as the mandatory ideology. Exceptions included works on astrology, agriculture, medicine, divination, and the history of the state of Qin.
When were the terracotta statues discovered near Xi'an?
The terracotta statues were discovered by farmers digging wells on the 29th of March 1974 near modern Xi'an. There are around 6,000 statues excavated whose purpose was to protect the Emperor in the afterlife from evil spirits.
How did Qin Shi Huang die and what evidence exists regarding his death?
Qin Shi Huang died in July or August of 210 BC at the palace in Shaqiu prefecture during his fifth tour of eastern China. Modern archaeologists have located his tomb and inserted probes deep into it which revealed abnormally high quantities of mercury.