Shi Huangdi

Shi Huangdi (259?–210 B.C.), emperor of the first Chinese empire and founder of the Qin dynasty. He became ruler of the kingdom of Qin (246 B.C.), conquered Qin's rival states, and declared himself emperor of China (221 B.C.). He established a strong central government. He had his opponents executed and potentially inciteful books burned. He ordered the construction of roads and canals and the completion of the Great Wall of China, a defense along China's northern frontier.

See also: Qin dynasty.