How did the Zhou govern their large empire?
The Zhou Dynasty governed their large empire through a decentralized system known as feudalism. Under this system, the empire was divided into smaller territories called fiefs, which were assigned to regional lords or nobles. These nobles were responsible for managing the fiefs and providing military support to the Zhou government.
The Zhou dynasty established a hierarchical structure with the king at the top, followed by regional lords, and then lesser nobles and commoners. The king held central authority and was considered the ultimate ruler of the empire. However, the regional lords enjoyed substantial autonomy and had control over their respective fiefs.
The Zhou government relied on a system of mutual obligations and responsibilities between the king and the regional lords. The king granted land and titles to the regional lords, who, in turn, owed loyalty, military service, and tribute to the king. This system helped to maintain stability and order throughout the empire.
Additionally, the Zhou government implemented the Mandate of Heaven ideology, which was a belief that the ruler's authority was granted by divine approval. The king claimed to possess the Mandate of Heaven, and any rebellion or uprising against him was seen as going against the natural order. This ideology was used to justify the Zhou Dynasty's rule and maintain loyalty from the regional lords.
Overall, the Zhou Dynasty governed their large empire through a combination of centralized authority by the king and decentralized power allocated to the regional lords under a feudal system.