Ep 11. The Qin and the First Emperor of China

The Qin and the First Emperor of China is the eleventh episode of the first season of Foundations of Eastern Civilization, which explores the origins and development of civilizations in Eastern Asia. In this episode, the focus is on the Qin dynasty and the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.

The episode begins by providing an overview of the political and social conditions of China during the Warring States period, which was a time of great conflict and chaos. It was during this period that the Qin state emerged as a dominant power, due in no small part to the leadership of Qin Shi Huang.

The episode then delves into the life and achievements of Qin Shi Huang, who is often credited with unifying China for the first time in its history. Viewers are introduced to his major accomplishments, including the establishment of a centralized bureaucracy, the implementation of a standardized legal code, and the construction of a vast network of roads and canals.

One of the most famous achievements of Qin Shi Huang was the construction of the Great Wall of China, which was intended to defend against invasion by northern nomads. Viewers learn about the engineering feats required to build such a monument, as well as the human cost of the project. Despite its massive scale, the Great Wall was ultimately unable to prevent later invasions by the Mongols.

The episode also explores the cultural and intellectual achievements of the Qin dynasty, which included the standardization of the Chinese writing system, the development of a legalistic philosophy, and the establishment of a system of weights and measures. Viewers learn about the Qin dynasty's harsh punishment for intellectual deviation, as well as its oppression of Confucianism.

Despite his many accomplishments, Qin Shi Huang was not without his flaws. The episode touches on his paranoia, which often led to cruel and violent actions against his perceived enemies. Viewers also learn about his obsession with finding an elixir of immortality, which ultimately led to his demise.

Overall, The Qin and the First Emperor of China offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most significant periods in Chinese history. Through its exploration of the life and legacy of Qin Shi Huang, the episode provides insight into the politics, culture, and achievements of ancient China, and sheds light on the enduring impact of this influential dynasty.