For almost three centuries, China was ruled by the powerful Qing dynasty. Reigning from 1644 to 1912, the family spearheaded China’s transformation into the most populous nation in the world, overhauling its cultural and commercial identity and seizing control of Mongolia, Tibet, and Taiwan in the process.

So how did the Qings take power – and why did it all come crumbling down? Read on to discover the incredible story behind the dynasty and find out how its legacy still affects the global superpower today.