Government & Law
Government
Throughout the 5000 years of history, China was ruled by many Dynasties and Emperors. The governments were ruled by Dynasties who were ruled by the Emperor. The Emperors ruthlessly enforced laws and had massive armies and labor forces.
The first Emperor was Qin Shi Huang. He ruled from 231-219 BC gaining power at the age of 12 until his death at the age of 49. During the time, he dominated and unified all of China. He burned books and burned or buried scholars in order to destroy the evidence of the previous Dynasties and to keep his people from knowledge. Also, he created the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors.
The Great Wall of China was built entirely by hand and though harsh conditions. The men died by the thousands. Upon his own death, Qin Shi Huang ordered his men to build the Terracotta Warriors which were to accompany him into his afterlife. It is estimated that there are over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses though most are still to be unearthed.
The first Emperor was Qin Shi Huang. He ruled from 231-219 BC gaining power at the age of 12 until his death at the age of 49. During the time, he dominated and unified all of China. He burned books and burned or buried scholars in order to destroy the evidence of the previous Dynasties and to keep his people from knowledge. Also, he created the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors.
The Great Wall of China was built entirely by hand and though harsh conditions. The men died by the thousands. Upon his own death, Qin Shi Huang ordered his men to build the Terracotta Warriors which were to accompany him into his afterlife. It is estimated that there are over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses though most are still to be unearthed.
Laws
1.
"Every man should most carefully carry out all the duties required by filial piety (respect for parents) and in accordance with the deference (obedience) owed by the younger brother to the elder ..."
2.
"One should always hold the family ancestors in the greatest respect ..."
3.
"... quarrels and legal actions should be avoided as far as possible."
4.
"Care should be given to the efficient running of the public schools."
5.
"The people should often be reminded of the penal laws ..."
6.
"Outbursts of anger should be kept under control to avoid greater dangers ensuing."
"Every man should most carefully carry out all the duties required by filial piety (respect for parents) and in accordance with the deference (obedience) owed by the younger brother to the elder ..."
2.
"One should always hold the family ancestors in the greatest respect ..."
3.
"... quarrels and legal actions should be avoided as far as possible."
4.
"Care should be given to the efficient running of the public schools."
5.
"The people should often be reminded of the penal laws ..."
6.
"Outbursts of anger should be kept under control to avoid greater dangers ensuing."
In Ancient china, a light punishment involved a beating with a bamboo stick or a whipping. Crimes such as stealing resulted a brand on the arm or face. more sever punishments involved the pealing of the skin or getting pulled apart by 5 horses each attached to a limb and the last one attached around the neck.
Impact
Now, because of Qin Shi Huang's creations, the Great Wall of China in Beijing and the Terracotta Warriors in Xiann are the top two major tourist attractions in China. it also lets us know more about our past and what the beliefs are like during the time.