Deioces vs Qin Er Shi

Deioces unified the Median tribes and established the first Median kingdom, with its capital at Ecbatana (modern Hamadan). He is credited with creating a centralized state, building a palace, and instituting a legal code.

Deioces instituted a system of justice, appointing judges and spies to enforce laws and suppress crime. This reform aimed to create order among the previously lawless Median tribes, consolidating his authority.

Deioces ordered the construction of the city of Ecbatana as his capital. The city was built with concentric walls, each painted a different color, and housed the royal palace and treasury, symbolizing Median power.

After Qin Shi Huang's death, Zhao Gao and Li Si forged a decree to force the crown prince Fusu to commit suicide and installed Huhai as Qin Er Shi. This illegitimate succession undermined the dynasty's legitimacy and placed an incompetent ruler on the throne.

Chen Sheng and Wu Guang led a rebellion of conscripted farmers at Dazexiang, sparking widespread revolts across the Qin empire. Qin Er Shi's harsh policies and heavy taxation had created widespread discontent, and the uprising quickly spread, leading to the dynasty's collapse.

Zhao Gao falsely accused Chancellor Li Si of treason. Qin Er Shi ordered Li Si's execution by the Five Pains method, along with his entire family. This removed the last capable administrator from the Qin court, accelerating the dynasty's decline.

Zhao Gao, fearing Qin Er Shi's anger over military defeats, staged a coup and forced the emperor to commit suicide. Zhao Gao then installed Ziying as the new king. This event marked the effective end of Qin rule, as Ziying surrendered to Liu Bang shortly after.