may 17, 948 BC - Mandate of Heaven

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The mandate of heaven determines whether an emperor of China is virtuous ( morally good behavior and character) to rule. If not, he loses the mandate and thus loses the right to be emperor.
Two main principles:
The emperor’s virtue determines his right to rule.
No one dynasty has a permanent right to rule.
Possible signs of that a ruler has lost the Mandate → earthquakes, floods, invaders, uprisings
Different than the kings of Europe because…
In China, rebellion was justified (okayed).
Wasn’t hereditary (by birth), even a peasant could be an emperor. Fear of losing the mandate made rulers act responsibly in carrying out their duties.

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