Birth of 秦始皇
秦始皇, originally named Ying Zheng, was born in 259 BCE in the state of Qin. His early life was marked by political intrigue and the struggles of his family, as his father was the king of Qin at the time.
259 BCE
246 BCE
Ascension to the Throne
At the age of 13, 秦始皇 ascended to the throne of the Qin state after his father’s death. His reign began under the regency of his mother and a council of ministers, who guided him in the early years of his rule.
238 BCE
Consolidation of Power
秦始皇 took control of the Qin state’s military and began to eliminate rivals, asserting his authority and laying the groundwork for future conquests of the other warring states in China.
230-221 BCE
Unification of China
Between 230 and 221 BCE, 秦始皇 led a series of military campaigns against the other six warring states, ultimately unifying China under the Qin dynasty in 221 BCE, marking the first time the country was unified under a single emperor.
221 BCE
Proclamation of the Title "Emperor"
After unifying China, 秦始皇 proclaimed himself as the first Emperor of China, adopting the title 秦始皇, which means "First Emperor of Qin." This marked the beginning of imperial China and the Qin dynasty.
215 BCE
Construction of the Great Wall
秦始皇 ordered the construction of the Great Wall of China to protect against invasions from northern tribes. This massive engineering project involved connecting and expanding existing walls and fortifications.
210 BCE
Death of 秦始皇
秦始皇 died in 210 BCE during a trip to Eastern China. His death marked the beginning of instability within the Qin dynasty, as his successors struggled to maintain control over the vast empire he had built.
209 BCE
Rebellion Against 秦始皇's Successors
Following 秦始皇's death, widespread discontent led to the outbreak of rebellions, including the Dazexiang Uprising, as many felt oppressed by the harsh policies implemented during 秦始皇's reign.
206 BCE
Fall of the Qin Dynasty
The Qin dynasty collapsed in 206 BCE, just four years after 秦始皇's death, primarily due to the internal strife and revolts that had erupted during the power struggle among his successors.
1974
Discovery of the Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army, a vast collection of clay sculptures depicting the armies of 秦始皇, was discovered in 1974 by farmers in Shaanxi province. This archaeological find provided significant insights into 秦始皇's reign and the practices of the time.
200 BCE - Present
Legacy of 秦始皇
秦始皇's legacy continues to influence Chinese culture, politics, and history. His unification of China set the foundation for future dynasties and established the concept of a centralized imperial government that would last for centuries.
2014
UNESCO World Heritage Designation of the Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, recognizing its historical significance and the cultural heritage of 秦始皇's era, further solidifying his impact on world history.
2021
Exhibitions on 秦始皇's Reign
Various international exhibitions showcasing artifacts from 秦始皇's time, including items from the Terracotta Army, have been organized, emphasizing the global interest in 秦始皇 and his contributions to Chinese civilization.
2023
Cultural Revivals of 秦始皇's Era
In 2023, cultural revivals and educational programs focusing on 秦始皇's reign have gained popularity, highlighting his role in shaping Chinese identity and the importance of historical preservation in modern society.
