Dynastic cycle
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According to Chinese political theory, every dynasty goes through the so-called dynastic cycle:
- A new ruler unites China and founds a new dynasty.
- China, under the new dynasty, achieves prosperity and a new golden age.
- The royal family of the dynasty begins to decay, corruption becomes rampant in the imperial court, and the empire begins to enter decline and instability.
- The dynasty loses the Mandate of Heaven, their legitimacy to rule, and is overthrown by a rebellion. The Mandate of Heaven is then passed to the next dynasty.