The Emperor qin and the making of china Hero 2002 dir. Yimou zhang The Emperor qin and the making of china

Hero Hero is the story of the Emperor Shi Huangdi and the assassins who try to get revenge for the actions he takes to unify china under his rule. The Emperor, known also as the emperor qin (pronounced chin) was the first emperor to rule a unified china. http://people.cohums.ohio-state.edu/bender4/eall131/EAHReadings/module02/imageforcontent/qinshihuang.jpg

Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi came to power during the ‘Warring States’ period of Chinese history. From 476 BC-221 bc china was in a constant state of upheaval as the different Chinese kingdoms fought for control. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:China_2c.jpg

Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi was the king of the Qin kingdom. Between 230 and 221 he conquered the rest of China in bloody battles using cavalry, archers using the crossbow, and infantry using axes, knives and swords. http://www.chinahighlights.com/image/map/ancient/qin-dynasty-map1.gif

Emperor Qin Once he became emperor of a united China (named after him, of course) he began reforms. He unified the monetary system, laws, writing, taxes and measurements. He set up a strong government. He began construction of the Great Wall of China. He was also an incredibly brutal ruler, executing literally thousands of people, burying scholars alive and burning books so he could control information and history.

Emperor Qin He had many enemies, and became obsessed with finding a potion that would make him immortal. Sadly, that quest is what ultimately led to his death. One of the potions killed him. http://www.made-in-china.com/image/2f0j00mMdEZVyhlTouM/Bronze-Flask-of-Qin-Dynasty-Chinese-Traditional-Crafts-.jpg

Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi is as famous for his rule as he is for his tomb. His tomb included 600,000 terra cotta soldiers, life-size recreations of his army that would accompany him in the afterlife. His burial chamber was said to have a map of the sky on the ceiling with diamonds inlaid for the stars, and a model of China with mercury rivers and lakes. http://www.terracotta-warriors.com/index.php?act=viewDoc&docId=6#

Terra cotta army

Terra cotta army

Terra cotta warriors

Ancient china ancient china was ruled by dynasties. Each individual ruler and the dynasties thought they ruled by the mandate of heaven. “The Mandate of Heaven is based on four principles: The right to rule is granted by Heaven. There is only one Heaven therefore there can be only one ruler. The right to rule is based on the virtue of the ruler. The right to rule is not limited to one dynasty. Here are some of the ways these principles converted into action and justification:   It gives the ruler prestige and religious importance. It gives the ruler supreme power. It allows a new ruler to gain power quickly if the people believe he has the 'Mandate of Heaven'. A ruler's power must be kept in check by virtue. The Mandate of Heaven justifies rebellion as long as the rebellion is successful. Simply because it was successful, obviously then, the new ruler had to have had a Mandate from Heaven. “ http://china.mrdonn.org/mandateofheaven.html