秦朝 (Qin Dynasty) was the first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221 to 206 BCE. It was founded by 秦始皇 (Qin Shi Huang), who unified various warring states and established a centralized government. The dynasty is known for significant reforms, including standardizing weights, measures, and even the writing system, which helped unify the diverse regions of China. The Qin Dynasty is also famous for the construction of the 长城 (Great Wall) and the 兵马俑 (Terracotta Army), which were built to protect the emperor in the afterlife. Despite its achievements, the dynasty was short-lived due to harsh rule and heavy taxation, leading to widespread unrest and its eventual downfall.