These are two examples of common, mass-produced bronze weaponry used by warriors in this period.
The Ge, shown on the left, was strapped to a long pole and especially useful for fighting against people on horseback, as it can be used to slash at horses' legs but stop them from running one over.
Crossbow triggers, one of which is shown on the right, were vital in the function of crossbows, likely the most advnced weaponry of their age. These were produced with exact detail so that they could fit into a pre-made space on any standardized crossbow. |
Qin Shi Huangdi also standardized written language, money, systems of measurement, and the sizes of cart axles, built the beginnings of the great wall, and expanded on systems of roads and canals.
In standardizing language, measurement, and payment, he made it so that trading across the country was simple and the economy could flourish. The standardization of sizes of cart-axles meant that all carts could drive in the same ruts, making travel safer and easier, and due to the systems of roads and canals that were built, there was nowhere important that could not be reached without struggle.
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The Great Wall is widely regarded as a wonder, but many people forget the suffering that went into it. According to one source, "During its construction, the Great Wall was called “the longest cemetery on earth” because so many people died building it. Reportedly, it cost the lives of more than one million people. Contrary to common belief, the Great Wall of China cannot be seen from the moon without aid."
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Image Sources
Header: Terracotta Warriors. Photograph. Accessed November 24, 2014. http://stephoandcrank.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/p1060773.jpg. Ge: Qin Dynasty Ge from the Terracotta Army. Photograph. Accessed November 24, 2014. http://1501bc.com/page/Terracota_army_exhibition/04270057.jpg. Crossbow Trigger: Qin Dynasty Crossbow. Photograph. Accessed November 24, 2014. http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8460/8006351268_c3a961cb73.jpg. Works Cited: Emperor's Ghost Army. PBS. "The Legacy of Ancient China." Accessed November 24, 2014. http://bcps.org/offices/lis/models/chinahist/qin.html. "Qin Dynasty (221–206 b.c.)." Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. Accessed November 24, 2014. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/qind/hd_qind.htm. "The 7 Wonders - Great Wall of China." Explore Worldwide. Accessed November 24, 2014. https://www.exploreworldwide.com/news-and-features/cultural-discovery/item/1551-the-7-wonders-great-wall-of-china. Si, Li. "Memorial on Annexation of Feudal States and the Burning of the Books." |
An argumentative essay on the topic of how the Qin dynasty is remembered
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GRACE CURTIS HARDY