Ancient Chinese Kingship

Ancient Chinese kingship was centered on the belief that the emperor held the Mandate of Heaven, giving him divine authority to rule. This mandate was earned through virtue and proper conduct; if the ruler became corrupt or the empire suffered, it was seen as a sign that the mandate had been withdrawn, justifying rebellion. The emperor was viewed as the Son of Heaven, responsible for maintaining harmony between heaven and earth. Kings held both political and religious authority, overseeing governance, rituals, and societal order, with their legitimacy rooted in moral virtue and divine right rather than hereditary power alone.