Legitimacy and Political Authority
This exercise considers how both images and texts lend legitimacy to a society or empire, using the Qin Empire in China as an example. Examine the following documents and visual source: Document 3.3, “Governing a Chinese Empire”; Visual Source 3.3; and the testimonial below written by the Chinese historian Sima Qian.
| Sima Qian, Grand Historian, on Qin Shihuangdi, written during the Han Empire c. 100 b.c.e. | ||
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A new age is inaugurated by the Emperor; Rules and measures are rectified, The myriad things set in order, Human affairs are made clear And there is harmony between fathers and sons. The Emperor in his sagacity, benevolence, and justice Has made all laws and principles manifest. Wherever one can go by boat or by carriage, Men carry out their orders And satisfy their desires; |
For our Emperor in accordance with the time Has regulated local customs, Made waterways and divided up the land. Caring for the common people, He works day and night without rest; He defines the laws, leaving nothing in doubt, Making known what is forbidden. The local officials have their duties, Administration is smoothly carried out, All is done correctly, all according to plan. The Emperor in his wisdom Inspects all four quarters of his realm; |
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Source: Yang Hsien-yi and Gladys Yang, The Records of the Historian (Hong Kong: Commercial Press, 1974), pp.170–72; 177–78.
Questions
In what way do these three sources demonstrate the authority of the Qin ruler?
What are some of the methods that it appears he used to enforce stability within the empire?
What accomplishments can be attributed to Shihuangdi?
What additional document would help you assess the merits of Qin Shihuangdi? Why would this be helpful?