Kings in History: The life deeds, major contributions and anecdotes of famous kings in China and abroad
Throughout history, many famous kings have emerged from all over the world who have influenced the development of the world in different ways. This article will focus on the life stories, major contributions and anecdotes of several famous kings in China and abroad, and analyze the stories behind them.
1. Qin Shi Huang of China – a great man who unified the Six Kingdoms
Qin Shi Huang (259 BC – 210 BC), known as Yingzheng, was a great emperor in Chinese history and was known as the “First Emperor of the Ages”. During his reign, he succeeded in unifying the Six Kingdoms and ending centuries-long warring states. Qin Shi Huang’s major contributions include:
Unified weights and measures: In order to strengthen the centralization of power, Qin Shi Huang unified writing, currency, and weights and measures, and promoted economic and cultural exchanges.
Construction of the Great Wall: In order to defend against the Xiongnu in the north, Qin Shi Huang ordered the construction of the Great Wall, which became a symbol of the Chinese nation.
Centralization: Qin Shi Huang abolished the feudal system and implemented the county system, which strengthened the power of the central government.
Fun Facts:
Qin Shi Huang longed for immortality during his lifetime, and sent Xu Fu to lead boys and girls east to Japan in search of Xianshan. However, Qin Shi Huang did not fulfill his wish for immortality, and in the third year of his reign, he died of an overdose of pills.
2. Henry VIII of United Kingdom – the promoter of the Reformation
Henry VIII (1491–1547), King of England, whose reign is considered the trigger for the Reformation in United Kingdom. Henry VIII’s major contributions include:
Reformation: Henry VIII founded the Anglican Church of United Kingdom to compete with the authority of the Roman Catholic Church, separating United Kingdom from the Roman Catholic Church.
Strengthening Centralization: Henry VIII weakened the power of the nobility and strengthened the control of the central government.
Expansion of United Kingdom Territory: Through war and marriage, Henry VIII expanded the territory of United Kingdom, making United Kingdom a European power.
Fun Facts:
Henry VIII had six marriages, three of which ended in divorce or dethronement. In order to marry Anne ·Boleyn, he broke with the Roman Catholic Church and founded the United Kingdom Anglican Church. When Henry VIII died, the United Kingdom was disgusted with his rule.
3. Ashoka of India – the promoter of Buddhism
Emperor Ashoka (304 BC – 232 BC), was a great king in India history, and his Mauryan dynasty was the pinnacle of ancient India civilization. Ashoka’s major contributions include:
Promoting Buddhism: Emperor Ashoka believed in Buddhism and made it the religion of the state, sending envoys to spread Buddhism around the world.
Building temples and stupas: Emperor Ashoka built many temples and stupas throughout India that became symbols of Buddhist culture.
Practicing a policy of tolerance: Emperor Ashoka pursued a policy of tolerance, allowing various religions to flourish freely, which contributed to the flourishing of culture.
Fun Facts:
During the reign of Emperor Ashoka, there was once a tragedy. His son Gopal rebelled and attempted to seize the throne. In order to quell the rebellion, Emperor Ashoka had Gopal put to death. This tragedy had a great impact on Ashoka, making him pay more attention to people’s livelihood and religious beliefs.
4. Pharaoh of Egypt – builder of the pyramids
The pharaohs of ancient Egypt were the kings of ancient Egypt, and they were considered incarnations of gods. The main contributions of the pharaohs include:
Building Pyramids: The pharaohs built countless pyramids for their tombs, which became symbols of ancient Egypt’s civilization.
Unification of Egypt: Through warfare and diplomacy, the pharaohs unified Egypt and made Egypt a great power in the ancient world.
Development of culture and technology: The pharaohs attached great importance to the development of culture and technology, making Egypt the center of civilization in the ancient world.
Fun Facts:
The most famous of the ancient Egypt pharaohs was Tutankhamun. During his reign, Egypt’s gold reserves reached their peak. The excavation of the pyramid of Tutankhamun revealed the splendor of ancient Egypt civilization.
5. George United States · Washington – the founder of democracy
George ·Washington (1732-1799), a great president in United States history, is known as the “Father of the Nation”. Washington’s key contributions include:
Leading the United States Revolutionary War: Washington, as commander of the United States Revolutionary War, led the United States people to victory in the Revolutionary War.
As the first president: Washington was the first president in United States history and laid the foundation for United States’ democracy.
Refusal to re-elect: Washington set an example for United States democracy by refusing to remain president after serving two consecutive terms as president.
Fun Facts:
During Washington’s presidency of the United States, an interesting incident once happened. On one occasion, when a congressman criticized Washington’s policies, Washington calmly said, “I did my best, but I may not be able to meet everyone’s demands.” ”
