Confucianism as a state religion

Qin Shihuangdi
(259–210 BCE)

• From his name derives the name “China”.
• Was the first totalitarian emperor of China.
• Abolished the feudal system of the nobility.
• Replaced the nobility by imperial officials and relatives.
• Standardized the laws, the writing system, the weights and measures, the coinage, etc.
• Fortified the frontiers by building the Great Wall, over 2300 km long.
• Caused his grave to be watched over by an army of terracotta figures.

Han Dynasty
(206 BCE–220 CE)

• Saw the development of Chinese culture and style
of living.
• Established the ethical framework of the state on the basis of Confucian teaching.
• Introduced the system of official examinations on the basis of the Confucian classics.