Qin Dynasty ruled China from 221 BCE to 206 BCE. It was the first dynasty to unify China under one emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This marked the beginning of a single, connected state.

The government set common systems for writing, money, and measurements across the land. Large building projects included early sections of the Great Wall. The emperor’s tomb is guarded by the Terracotta Army, made of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers.

The Qin Dynasty is known for its strong central control. It lasted a short time but shaped later Chinese governments.