The first emperor of China, known for unifying the country and standardizing its culture, was Qin Shi Huang. Ascending to the throne in 221 BC, he established the Qin Dynasty and implemented sweeping reforms, including the standardization of weights, measures, and the writing system. His reign saw monumental projects, like the early construction of the Great Wall of China and an extensive network of roads. Despite his autocratic rule and harsh policies, Qin Shi Huang's legacy as a unifier and innovator profoundly influenced Chinese civilization for centuries to come.