The monograph "The First Chinese Empire" ('Unification of China under the rule of the Principality of Qin') presents a unique study of a key period in the history of China. Revealing the complex political, social and cultural aspects of the era, the author analyzes the influence of the Qin dynasty on the process of unifying the Chinese principalities into a single state. From examining the strategies and tactics of Qin Shi Huang to examining the period's impact on the formation of imperial governance, the monograph offers an in-depth look at key moments in China's past. A separate part of the work is devoted to the reforms of Shang Yang and his philosophical teaching “legism”. Analyzing sources and archaeological finds, the author invites the reader on an exciting journey to the origins of the unified Qin Empire and their influence on the further development of Chinese civilization.