Emperor of China

The Emperor of China was the supreme ruler and symbol of authority in China for thousands of years, regarded as the "Son of Heaven." His leadership was rooted in the belief that he governed through the Mandate of Heaven, which granted divine approval for his rule. The emperor commanded the government, military, and society, often residing in a grand imperial palace. Throughout history, Chinese emperors shaped culture, law, and expansion, maintaining centralized control until the early 20th century, when the monarchy was abolished and China transitioned to other forms of government.