Mandate of Heaven (jun 15, 1040 BC – dec 24, 1020 BC)
Description:
The Mandate 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 → drought, famine, floods, earthquakes, peasant uprisings and invasions by foreign troops.
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 of Heaven made rulers act responsibly in carrying out their duties.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jun 15, 1040 BC
dec 24, 1020 BC
~ 19 years