THE FIRST EMPEROR

This lantern is about China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.  I was suprised that the night photos came out rather good.  They were actually much better than those taken during the day.

Just a reminder that the Lantern Festival will end the weekend of August 18-19.  The last day to see the lanterns is Sunday, August 19th.

The First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, unified China, enacted many economic and politial reforms, such as standardizing the currency and systems of measurement.  He also built an early version of the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army and the mausoleum they "guard", and an enormous road system.  But he was also superstitious, and as he grew older, he began to fear death, and sought a magic elixir that would offer him immortality.  For all his efforts and promises from those who took advantage of his human weakness, the emperor died at the age of 49!