Who succeeded in unifying China and gave himself the title Shi Huangdi which means “ first emperor“?

1 Answer
Apr 13, 2018

Qin Shi Huangdi, also known as Ying Zheng or Zhao Zheng.

Explanation:

When Ying Zheng became the first ruler of a unified China in 221 BC he proclaimed himself Shi Huangdi or first emperor of Qin. He became the king of the tiny kingdom of Qin at 13 and conquered the other Warring States all the way to the age of 38 when he finally succeeded and proclaimed himself emperor. The Chinese state didn't stop expanding by this time though and during his reign, Ying Zheng ordered his generals to continue his expansion.

Even though Shi Huangdi literally means first emperor the Successors of Ying Zheng also called themselves Shi Huangdi for two millennia, even though they clearly weren't the first.