The Qin dynasty

The state of Qin becomes a close ally of the Zhou.

771 BCE

During the Zhou dynasty, an invasion forces the Zhou rulers to travel eastwards. The state of Qin guards of the western frontier, gradually move eastward and occupy the original Zhou territory. Therefore, Qin becomes a close ally of the Zhou.

King Ping of Zhou transfers titles of nobility to the Qin.

770 BCE

King Ping of Zhou (770-720 BCE) transfers titles of nobility and huge estates to the chief of Qin. This allows Qin to become more ambitious and defend attacks from surrounding regions.

Lord Shang Yang introduces Legalism

361 BCE

The Qin statesman Lord Shang Yang passes a number of reforms throughout the state. He promotes the strict political philosophy of Legalism and establishes the Qin capital at Xianyang.

King Ying Zheng becomes King of Qin.

246 BCE

King Ying Zheng, aged 12 or 13, becomes King of Qin. People had high hopes that he will ultimately lead Qin to victory in the Warring States period.

Qin controls a major part of China

230 BCE

During the Warring States period, Qin gains power through well thought attacks. When the final campaign to unify China begins around 230 BCE, Qin controls one-third of all the land under cultivation in China and one-third of China's total population.

Emperor Shi Huangdi unifies China and begins the Qin dynasty

221 BCE

Ying Zheng, the ruler of the Qin, is the winner of the Warring States period in China and unifies the country. He begins the Qin dynasty and names himself Shi Huangdi, or "first emperor."

Construction on the Great Wall of China begins

218 BCE

To protect the country from getting overthrown, Shi Huangdi orders that the previously-built portions of the Great Wall of China to be connected into one long, unbroken wall.