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Year 7: Ancient China - Qin Shi Huang

Qin Shi Huang

Qin Shi Huang Biography

Useful Databases

Unification of China

Weights and Measures

The new central government of Qin introduced a standard set of weights and measures to replace the different series of units used by the separate states. Qin cast in bronze and distributed a large quantity of its own standard units, which are exemplified by the heavy bronze weight shown above. Its inscription records two edicts issued respectively by the First and Second Emperors to enforce use of the standard as well as to document the bronze's own weight, its date and place of manufacture, and the officials and workers involved in its production. 

Metropolitan Museum of Art: Inscribed Measures

AschamentombedWarriors: Standardisation - Weights, Coinage, Carts, Writing
Check out the 1st section 'Weights and Coinage'.

China Daily: China's 1st Standardized Unit of Measurement

Henan Museum: Qin Dynasty Weight