The Qin dynasty lasted only fifteen years, yet it transformed China forever.

The story begins in the violent world of the Warring States period, when seven competing kingdoms battled for supremacy. At the center of the drama is Ying Zheng, the son of a hostage prince who became the king of Qin, defeated all rival states, and declared himself Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China.

Through sweeping military campaigns, bold reforms, and strict Legalist policies, Qin Shi Huang unified China for the first time. He standardized writing, currency, weights and measures, and created a centralized government system that shaped Chinese administration for centuries afterwards.

The emperor's policies of harsh laws, forced labor, and absolute control strengthened the empire, but led to rebellion and collapse shortly after the emperor's death.

This book explores the rise, achievements, and fall of one of the most consequential dynasties in world history.

This is the first book in the Dynasties of Ancient China series of graded readers for English speakers learning to read Simplified Chinese. The book uses the 1200-word HSK-4 vocabulary, with additional words added as necessary. It also includes a pinyin version and a complete English translation, as well as a glossary that defines all Chinese words used. This makes it ideal for learners who want to improve their language skills while gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese history and culture.

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