Qin Shi Huang
Also called: First Emperor of Qin, Ying Zheng
King of Qin (247–221 BCE) and first emperor (221–210 BCE) who conquered the six other states, unified China and created a centralised imperial system
He became King of Qin at thirteen under the regency of the chancellor Lü Buwei, and after taking power himself used ministers such as Li Si to destroy the six other states between 230 and 221 BCE. Calling himself the First Emperor, he centralised the state through commanderies and counties and the standardisation of script, coinage and measures. He controlled thought by burning books and burying scholars, had Meng Tian link the Great Wall against the Xiongnu, and built the Epang Palace and his vast tomb with its Terracotta Army. He died at Shaqiu in 210 BCE on the last of five tours of the empire.