Q is for Qin Dynasty (Blogging through the Alphabet)

After deciding to focus upon historical topics for the Blogging through the Alphabet series, I wondered how I would approach a few letters. Thankfully – by thinking about the histories of civilizations and peoples outside of my own borders, I have been able to find much inspiration.

Technically the Qin Dynasty could fit for either Q or C as this dynasty is also known as Chi'in and gives the nation of China its name. It is amazing that a dynasty that only last 14 years (221 BC to 206 BC) provides a well-known nation with its name. During the Qin Dynasty books were banned, the Great Wall was begun, and standardization of many different aspects of life was implemented. It was an important period of Chinese history. And after a discovery in 1974 of the funerary sculptures of Qinshihuangdi, the first emperor became even more famous.

While China owes its name to this short-lived but powerful, ruthless, and effective dynasty, the Qin Dynasty owes its existence to one emperor – Shi Huangdi or Qinshihuangdi. The Qin state spent many years during the Warring States period expanding (they had been rising in power since the 8th century BC) but it wasn't until Qinshihuangdi came to power that the Qin Dynasty was solidified as a ruling power.

Legalism

In adopting and implementing Legalism, the Qin Dynasty laid out exactly what was expected of the people but also put into place a harsh system of rule based solely upon the will of the emperor. This idea of clear-cut rewards and punishments set forth rules with duties, obligations, and expectations.

Everyone knew what the consequences were for not obeying the laws. Rules and laws needed to be diligently applied equally to all. Status did not matter and punishments were severe. There were no mitigating circumstances. In other words, it did not matter if you were Jean Valjean stealing bread to feed your family. The punishment was the same for a starving man as they were for someone stealing jewels.

Qinshihuangdi as Ruler

Qinshihuangdi pursued power for himself and his own interest. He name even demonstrates this:

• Shi – translates to beginning or first
• Huangdi – translates to emperor – new word for ruler – previous rulers were known as kings 

He proclaimed himself to be lord of all setting out to conquer an extensive amount of territory and transforming everything under a single administrative system. The state would exist for the ruler and his power would be absolute. 

To help consolidate his power, Qinshihuangdi appointed local administrators in the districts he conquered and had local rulers move to his new capital (Xianyang). He also banned books and even went to so far as to burn books that were in opposition to his teachings and ideas. Only the teachings of Qinshihuangdi were important. He wanted to silence his critics and erase the knowledge of the past. Beyond burning books, his dynasty also needed to silence those that shared knowledge orally. They did such a good job of burning books that there are few left which were written prior to the Qin Dynasty.

With the death of Qinshihuangdi in 210 BC, the dynasty quickly fell to rebellions. His son was not as strong a leader as he was and the Han Dynasty would eventually take over.

Standardization

There were several ways in which the government and systems were standardized during the Qin Dynasty. One of the most important would be that of the ideology. The doctrine of Qinshihuangdi would be absolute. Legalism helped put this into practice.

Axles 

Prior to the Qin Dynasty, the different Warring States and territories had wagons with different axle lengths. This made traveling on roads difficult as the different wagons would create ruts in the roads of varying sizes. During the Qin Dynasty, they set a standard length for axles. Wagons could travel on all the roads. This made transportation and communication more effective negating the need to change wagons for different roads.

© Jasonjung | Stock Free Images

Coinage 

All coins minted would be the same. They would even have a hole in the middle to aid in the carrying and transportation of them. One could use a string or rawhide to carry their coins.

Writing 

A national norm for characters was set for the territories controlled by the Qin Dynasty. This helped establish better communication. Consistency was the key to helping control the different states.

Terracotta Army

In 1974, farmers discovered the funerary complex of Qinshihuangdi. During excavation over 8,000 life-size soldiers, warriors, and generals and 600+ horses would be found.  Originally the figures would have been painted but over time the paint has flaked off or faded. Some of these sculptures tour the museums of the world so we can see their grandeur, created so many years ago.


Images from Stock Free Images 
© Bbbar | Stock Free Images (terracotta faces upclose)

© Klodien | Stock Free Images (great wall arch)

© Shcoastline | Stock Free Images (single warrior)

© Jasonjung | Stock Free Images (coin)