What Religion Did the Qin Dynasty Embrace? A Fusion of Power and Belief
The Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE), one of China’s most transformative periods, is often remembered for its unification of the Warring States, its authoritarian rule, and its enduring legacies like the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army. But what religion underpinned this powerful regime? To understand the spiritual foundation of the Qin Dynasty, we must explore the unique intersection of religious influences, philosophy, and governance that shaped its identity. The Qin Dynasty predominantly adhered to Legalism as its guiding philosophy, which overshadowed religious practices, but remnants of traditional Chinese folk religion and early Taoist ideas played a secondary role in shaping its cultural and spiritual landscape. Legalism: The Heart of Qin Governance The Qin Dynasty's most prominent ideological influence was Legalism, a philosophy emphasizing strict laws, centralized authority, and harsh punishments. Legalism wasn’t a religion in the conventional se...