Overview

Qin Shi Huang (Emperor of Qin) (259 BCE - September 10, 210 BCE, was king of the Chinese State of Qin from 247 BCE to 221 BCE, and then the first emperor of a unified China from 221 BCE to 210 BCE. As the ruler of the Great Qin, he was known for the introduction of Legalism and also for unifying China.

Reportedly, he died of swallowing mercury pills, made by his court scientists and doctors, which contained too much of the liquid metal. The "theory," devised by alchemists, was that if mercury could even absorb gold, then if eaten, it would give that person its own powers, making him immortal. Mercury compounds were mixed with some food so as to make it edible. Ironically, these pills were meant to make Qin Shi Huang immortal. He was reportadly buried in a river of mercury.

Just a side note, Qin Shi Huang is how we call him in Chinese, "Qin" is the dynasty, "Shi" means beginning or a start, and "Huang" means emperor.

Referennces

• Qin Shi Huang, First Emperor of China - Asian History

• Qin Shi Huang - wikipedia