Qin Shi Huang (First Emperor)

Qin Shi Huang, also known as the First Emperor of China, reigned from 221 to 210 BCE. He unified various warring states into a single empire, establishing a centralized government and standardizing weights, measures, and writing. Important for his role in building the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army, Qin Shi Huang's rule was marked by significant advancements but also harsh legalism. His reign laid the foundation for China's imperial system, influencing culture and governance for centuries. Despite his accomplishments, his authoritarian methods and quest for immortality left a complex legacy.