Qin Er Shi vs Sahure

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.

Sahure conducted military expeditions into the Sinai Peninsula to secure turquoise and copper mines, and into Libya to subdue nomadic tribes. These campaigns are recorded in reliefs from his pyramid complex, showing the king smiting enemies.

Sahure dispatched a fleet to the land of Punt, likely located in the Horn of Africa. The expedition returned with myrrh, electrum, and exotic goods, demonstrating Egypt's naval capabilities and establishing trade routes that would be used for centuries.

Sahure built his pyramid complex at Abusir, the first royal pyramid built in that necropolis. The complex included a valley temple, causeway, and mortuary temple decorated with reliefs depicting the Punt expedition and other achievements.