The Qin dynasty ruled China from 221 BC to 206 BC. It was the first dynasty to unify China under an centralized imperial system. Some key aspects summarized include:
- The Qin dynasty unified China after 500 years of separation and established the first centralized government with the country divided into 36 commanderies.
- Significant construction projects were undertaken including the Great Wall, terra cotta soldiers and the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang to protect the empire and serve as burial artifacts.
- Society was strictly stratified and controlled with peasants, artisans and scholars at the bottom. Education was limited mostly to boys from wealthy families.
- Agriculture formed the economic base with millet and rice as