The imperial system of ancient China refers to the political system in which the emperor was the center of society, exercising absolute imperial power and monarchical authority. Since its founding by Emperor Qin in 221 BC, this system developed and strengthened throughout successive dynasties, until its complete abolition with the fall of Yuan Shikai in 1916, spanning a total of 2,137 years.
Establishment of the Imperial System
The imperial system established by Emperor Qin granted the emperor supreme and incontestable authority, with the succession to the throne hereditary. This meant that the emperor was the absolute ruler and center of power of the monarchical state, establishing a centralized system of government. The role of the imperial system was to consolidate unifying measures, favoring the development and stability of the unified landscape.
Absolute Power of the Emperor
The Chinese imperial system was based on the theory of the Mandate of Heaven, using strict rules of hierarchy, rituals, music, and succession to the throne to emphasize the personal authority of the emperor. It guaranteed that the emperor was above the state machinery, possessing absolute and unlimited power, without restrictions.
Furthermore, the imperial system gave the emperor control over the law. In ancient times, emperors used the coercive power of the law to defend their dignity and power, severely repressing any infractions against imperial authority.
The Influence of the Imperial System
The most important thing about the imperial system was that it promoted the formation and development of a unified multi-ethnic state, strengthening national unity and facilitating the integration of diverse ethnicity and economic and cultural exchange in a unified environment. This made it possible to effectively organize human, material and financial resources for large-scale production activities, economic development and relief operations, promoting socioeconomic development. It created conditions for the development of the feudal economy, leading China to reach a level of civilization and material superior to that of other countries in the world in the same period.
Imperial System of Ethnic Minority Groups
Some of the ethnic minority states on China's borders, after Sinicization, also adopted the imperial title, such as the Dali Kingdom in Yunnan, the Khotan Kingdom in the West, especially the Sixteen Kingdoms of the Five Barbarians and the Northern Dynasties (Northern Wei, Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Northern Zhou), Liao Dynasty, Western Xia Dynasty, Jin Dynasty, Yuan Dynasty and Qing Dynasty.
There Might be More Than One Emperor in China
Historically, there was usually only one emperor in a given period. However, at certain times, such as during the dynasty of the Southern and Northern States, there were several coexisting emperors. During the Three Kingdoms period, the states of Cao Wei, Shu Han, and Wu also had three emperors. At the end of a dynasty, when there were fights between local forces and multiple powers emerged, they proclaimed themselves emperors, such as Li Zicheng of the Peasants' Rebellion in the Transition from Ming to Qing and Zhang Xianzhong of the Peasants' Rebellion in the Kingdom by Da Shun.
Imperial System is No More, But Something Remains
In Chinese history, there were a total of 83 dynasties, with 397 emperors. Today, looking back on those years of vicissitudes, the imperial system has become an eternal historical seal. However, this period of history has not completely disappeared and continues to play an important role in the heritage of Chinese civilization. Whether in the ancient palaces, tombs, or in the poetry and cultural treasures passed down, the imperial system has left a rich heritage.
