Page "Qin Dynasty" Paragraph 2

Despite its military strength, the Qin Dynasty did not last long.

When the first emperor died in 210 BC, his son was placed on the throne by two of the previous emperor's advisers, in an attempt to influence and control the administration of the entire dynasty through him.

The advisors squabbled among themselves, however, which resulted in both their deaths and that of the second Qin emperor.

Popular revolt broke out a few years later, and the weakened empire soon fell to a Chu lieutenant, who went on to found the Han Dynasty.

Despite its rapid end, the Qin Dynasty influenced future Chinese empires, particularly the Han, and the European name for China is thought to be derived from it.