Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BCE)

Question 1

Who was Qin Shi Huang?

Answer 1

The first emperor of unified China, originally named Ying Zheng.

Question 2

What year did Qin Shi Huang unify China?

Answer 2

221 BCE.

Question 3

What was Qin Shi Huang’s original name?

Answer 3

Ying Zheng.

Question 4

At what age did Qin Shi Huang become king of Qin?

Answer 4

At the age of 13.

Question 5

What major defensive structure did Qin Shi Huang begin constructing?

Answer 5

The Great Wall of China.

Question 6

What major archaeological find is associated with Qin Shi Huang’s tomb?

Answer 6

The Terracotta Army.

Question 7

Which philosophy heavily influenced Qin Shi Huang’s rule?

Answer 7

Legalism.

Question 8

Which period of Chinese history did Qin Shi Huang live through?

Answer 8

The Warring States Period (475–221 BCE).

Question 9

Name two things Qin Shi Huang standardized across his empire.

Answer 9

Weights and measures, writing system, coinage, and cart axle width.

Question 10

What is Qin Shi Huang’s legacy in terms of Chinese governance?

Answer 10

He created a centralized bureaucracy that became the model for future dynasties.

Question 11

Why did Qin Shi Huang burn books and execute scholars?

Answer 11

To suppress intellectual dissent, particularly from Confucian scholars.

Question 12

What were the main goals of Qin Shi Huang’s unification efforts?

Answer 12

To end the wars between the warring states and establish centralized rule.

Question 13

What empire did Qin Shi Huang establish after unifying China?

Answer 13

The Qin Dynasty.

Question 14

How is Qin Shi Huang remembered today?

Answer 14

As both a visionary unifier and a tyrant.

Question 15

What caused the collapse of the Qin Dynasty?

Answer 15

The harshness of Qin Shi Huang’s rule, which led to widespread discontent.

Question 16

What measures did Qin Shi Huang take to try and achieve immortality?

Answer 16

He consumed mercury-laced elixirs and sent envoys to find the elixir of life.

Question 17

How did Qin Shi Huang die?

Answer 17

Likely from mercury poisoning due to his search for immortality.

Question 18

Name one assassination attempt Qin Shi Huang survived.

Answer 18

The assassination attempt by Jing Ke.

Question 19

What was ironic about Qin Shi Huang’s pursuit of immortality?

Answer 19

His pursuit of immortality may have led to his death through mercury poisoning.

Question 20

Why did Qin Shi Huang avoid crossing rivers later in life?

Answer 20

He believed malevolent spirits were waiting to harm him in rivers.

Question 21

What philosophy did Qin Shi Huang use to impose strict laws and harsh punishments?

Answer 21

Legalism.

Question 22

What dynasty followed the Qin Dynasty?

Answer 22

The Han Dynasty.

Question 23

What unfinished project is associated with Qin Shi Huang’s tomb?

Answer 23

His tomb, which is largely unexcavated and may contain rivers of mercury.

Question 24

How are high levels of mercury around Qin Shi Huang’s tomb significant?

Answer 24

They suggest that ancient texts about mercury rivers in the tomb may be accurate.

Question 25

What was Qin Shi Huang’s most significant contribution to China’s territorial integrity?

Answer 25

Initiating the construction of the Great Wall to defend against northern invaders.

Question 26

What made the Terracotta Army a remarkable archaeological find?

Answer 26

It consists of thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots meant to guard Qin Shi Huang’s tomb.

Question 27

Why did the Qin Dynasty collapse so soon after Qin Shi Huang’s death?

Answer 27

His authoritarian rule and harsh policies created unrest, leading to rebellion.