The Emperor Title of Pre-Qin Dynasties and Its Evolution

Emperor title of pre-Qin Dynasties underwent several stages:Hou,King,the Son of Heaven,God,and Emperor.Each title presented mysterious and symbolic significance of Chinese words.Its evolution was closely connected with social and cultural background,and also indicative of the historical fact that Pre-Qin Dynasty theocracy declined and royal authority strengthened day by day,and royal authority was superior to theocracy and political authority,clan authority and theocracy were combined into one in the primeval society.The emperor title reflected not only political but also more social,ideological and cultural information.Grasping the evolution of emperor title is a key to understanding the society of ancient times.