King Zheng of Qin
King Zheng of Qin, also known as Qin Shi Huang, was the first emperor of a unified China. He ascended to the throne in 246 BCE and became the king of the Qin state at the age of 13. Under his rule, he implemented significant reforms, including standardizing weights, measures, and even the writing system, which helped unify the diverse regions of China.
In 221 BCE, King Zheng successfully conquered the other warring states, ending the Warring States period and establishing the Qin Dynasty. His reign is marked by ambitious projects, such as the early construction of the Great Wall of China and the famous Terracotta Army, which was built to protect him in the afterlife.