Was the First Emperor inspired by Alexander?

In 221 BC, Qin Shi Huangdi became the First Emperor of China, a country he had unified in 230 BC. He ruled as Emperor for nine years until his death at 49 years old in 210 BC. In comparison, Alexander’s campaign in Asia lasted approximately as long, from 334 until 223 BC.

[Qin Shi Huang statue]

The list of Qin’s achievements is long and can easily be compared to Alexander’s (see: The First Emperor, China’s Terracotta Army and Alexander the Great). Ultimately, they both instated one language, one currency, one law for all, and probably one and the same standard weights and measures. Qin established one system of government and one language, whereas Alexander left Hellenism to the world with Greek as the lingua franca for the next one thousand years. Qin built roads, canals, and the famous Great Wall, whereas Alexander built still-existing cities and trade centers. 

The comparison between the two rulers may extend even further to include their armies. They both put their infantry at the center with archers in front of them (Alexander also used sling shooters). Chinese arrows had very efficient bronze spear points. In both armies, the infantry was flanked by cavalry, which the Chinese reinforced with chariots. The cavalry encircled the enemy in the pincer movement and pinned down their lines to be annihilated. 

Losses among Qin’s infantry were high since they wore no protective outfits, which was thought to slow them down. They carried, however, an all-purpose spear with bronze ends and a sword. A man’s life in China did not count as opposed to Alexander, where every Macedonian was valued. They were lesser in number but well-equipped and disciplined. 

Overall, it makes me wonder how much Qin (or his generals) knew about Alexander’s tactics and warfare. It appears to be far more than we may suspect. The news of Alexander’s conquests far into the Ferghana Valley and India’s Punjab will have traveled further east during the one hundred years that separate these rulers. Merchants and travelers inevitably spread the news of Alexander’s successful campaigns. 

It should be noted that the Tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi remains hidden under an earth pyramid 76 meters tall. Chinese authorities are not inclined to excavate the site, either out of respect or fear. 

[Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huanghi]

The site of Alexander’s Tomb has not been found, even though he was buried in the Palace of Alexandria in Egypt. Nobody knows where his remains are hidden or were moved to.