The Qin Dynasty

The Qin Dynasty was the first dynasty to unite all of China under one ruler. It lasted from 221 to 206 BCE. The first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, made many big changes. He started building the Great Wall and created a standard system of writing and money.

Uniting China

Before the Qin Dynasty, China was divided into many warring states. Qin Shi Huang conquered them all and became the first emperor of a united China. He created standard weights, measures, and a single writing system. He also built roads and canals to connect the empire.

The First Emperor's Legacy

Qin Shi Huang ordered the building of walls along the northern border to keep out invaders. These walls later became part of the Great Wall of China. He also built a huge tomb guarded by thousands of terracotta soldiers. The Qin Dynasty was short but changed China forever.

Fun Facts

• The Terracotta Army has over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, each with a different face.
• Qin Shi Huang became the first emperor of China at just 13 years old.
• The Qin Dynasty lasted only about 15 years, but its changes lasted for centuries.

Did You Know?

The name "China" may come from the word "Qin," which is pronounced like "chin."