Yellow Emperor

Normally, when I refer to an emperor on this site, it means a Roman emperor. This is so common that I sometimes forget to specify the nationality. Similarly, a "great king" is likely to be a Persian or from somewhere along the Fertile Crescent. A "tyrant" should be a Greek, although it is frequently applied to any despotic leader. However, the Romans weren't the only ones to have empire. The Chinese, for instance had emperors from a much earlier date. One such emperor whose legacy is important today is the Yellow Emperor of China (Xi Ling-Shi or Xilingshi). Like many figures from ancient history, he is more legendary than historical, but someone has to have accomplished the scientific tools and techniques. Read what the emperor himself is said to have accomplished: Yellow Emperor of China (c. 2698-2598 B.C.).

His wife was also credited in legend with an important discovery. Like her husband's, her discovery is still popular and useful today. Read what About.com's Women's History Guide has to say about Lei-tzu or Si Ling-chi

Also see: How Do You Spell...?