Shi Huangdi (l.259-210 BCE/r.221-210 BCE, also known as Qin Shi Huang, Qin Shih Huandi, Shi Huangti or Shih Huan-ti) was the first emperor of a unified China. Shi Huangdi means `First Emperor' and is a title, not a proper name. The Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) he founded (pronounced `Chin') gave its name to China.
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Timeline
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c. 481 BCE - 221 BCEThe Warring States Period in China.
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259 BCE - 210 BCELife of Ying Zheng of Qin, Shi Huangdi, First Emperor of China.
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c. 246 BCE - c. 247 BCEPrince Ying Zheng becomes King of Qin, age 12 or 13.
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238 BCELao Ai Rebellion in Qin.
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230 BCE - 221 BCEKing Ying Zheng of Qin defeats the other warring states, claims Mandate of Heaven to rule China.
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221 BCEKing Ying Zheng assumes the title Shi Huangdi, First Emperor of China. Founds Qin Dynasty.
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221 BCE - 206 BCEQin Dynasty in China.
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c. 221 BCEConstruction of Northern Frontier wall by Shi Huangdi, First Emperor of China, precursor to Great Wall.
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c. 218 BCEConstruction of the Great Wall of China is initiated.
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213 BCE - 206 BCEQin Dynasty elevates Legalism as state philosophy and bans all others.
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213 BCEThe Burning of the Books and the Burying of Philosophers Period in China.
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c. 213 BCE - 210 BCEShi Huangdi increasingly obsessed with death and immortality.
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210 BCEFirst Emperor of China Shi Huangdi dies, buried with army of 8,000 terracotta warriors in palace tomb.
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210 BCE - 206 BCEChina rises in rebellion against crumbling Qin Dynasty.
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206 BCE - 202 BCEThe Chu Han Contention, states of Chu and Han fight for supremacy of rule.
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202 BCEThe Battle of Gaixia, Chu forces defeated by the Han.
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202 BCELiu-Bang of Han founds the Han Dynasty in China.
