The First Great Empire Leaders: Shi Huangdi, Darius, and Nebuchadnezzar Background information: Shi Huangdi : The Qin dynasty that he ruled replaced the Zhou Dynasty. He was the first ruler of this dynasty, so he is known as Shi Huangdi, which translates into English as “first emperor”. He brought unity to China by applying Legalist ideas to the empire. Legalism is a Chinese political philosophy based on the idea that a highly efficient and powerful government is the key to social order. Darius : Darius’ father, Cambyses, had ruled for eight years, but after his death the Persian control weakened. Darius decided that he should take it upon himself to bring back strength to the Persian empire. At the time he was just a member of the king’s bodyguard, but with the help the “Ten Thousand Immortals” (elite Persian soldiers), he regained the throne and regained the throne. Nebuchadnezzar : Nebuchadnezzar is known for restoring the great of Babylon. Babylon had been burne