Qin Dynasty

In this episode, we dive into the sweeping story of the Qin dynasty-the first imperial dynasty of China-tracing its rise from the early state of Qin to its dramatic unification of the warring states under Qin Shi Huang. We explore the dynasty's tightly structured bureaucracy, far-reaching legal reforms, ambitious standardisation of writing, currency, and measurement, and the monumental building projects that defined its rule, including the early Great Wall and the Terracotta Army. We also unpack the rapid collapse that followed the first emperor's death and reflect on the dynasty's enduring legacy, from shaping China's imperial blueprint to influencing the very name 'China' itself.