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Chinese history follows a cyclical pattern. |
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“The long split will unite, the long united will split.” |
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This line from China’s classic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms describes the changing nature of Chinese dynasties, which rise and fall in a pattern known as the dynastic cycle: |
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When the rulers of a dynasty cease to care for the people and power-hungry nobles split apart the states, it’s time for a new emperor to take the throne. This ruler is blessed by the Mandate of Heaven—a divine right to rule bestowed upon one of great virtue. With this Mandate, the chosen one is able to reunite the empire and establish a new reigning dynasty. |
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