Qin Dynasty

State · 218–209 BCE · at its largest around 210 BCE

First imperial dynasty of China, founded when Qin Shi Huang unified the Warring States; it standardized script, weights and coinage but collapsed soon after his death.

On its lands while it lasted

Qin Shi Huang (259 BCE – 210 BCE): King of Qin who conquered the other Warring States and in 221 BCE became the first emperor of a unified China, standardising script, coinage and measures.
Emperor Gaozu of Han (Liu Bang) (c. 256 BCE – 195 BCE): Commoner-born rebel leader who founded the Han dynasty and ruled as its first emperor from 202 BCE.
Xianyang (c. 218–206 BCE): Capital of Qin Dynasty (218 BCE–209 BCE), Zhai (208 BCE–206 BCE).
Great Wall of China (c. 214 BCE): Qin linked earlier northern walls into a frontier defence against the Xiongnu; later dynasties, especially the Ming, rebuilt and extended the walls.
Terracotta Army (c. 210 BCE): Thousands of life-size clay soldiers and horses buried near the tomb of Qin Shi Huang; discovered by farmers in 1974.