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A poignant fact is that ancient Chinese emperors, despite indulging in lavish and opulent lives, could not surpass the age of 40.
Ancient Chinese regarded emperors as supreme beings, the sons of heaven, hence all the glory and luxury were bestowed upon them. However, historical records show that ancient Chinese emperors had an average lifespan of no more than 40 years. Why is that?
During the Ming dynasty, although the political situation was relatively stable, the average lifespan of the 16 Ming emperors was only 42. Among them, 5 lived longer than this number. Experts cite 4 main reasons to explain this issue.
Conspiracy to Assassinate Emperors
Many Chinese emperors perished in their 40s due to poisoning or assassination plots. As emperors wielded absolute power, they often became targets of many in power struggles. Fierce battles for the throne took place, with some emperors being pushed into dire situations and forced to commit suicide, such as Emperor Shunzhi.
Genetic Inheritance
In ancient times, people had no concept of the consequences of close blood relationships, especially within the royal family. They believed in preserving lineage and avoiding the mixing of bloodlines from other clans. Consequently, marriages between siblings within the royal family were common.
The aftermath was that many emperors suffered from physical and genetic issues such as illnesses, congenital deformities, and delayed intellectual development, which may have shortened their lifespan.
Due to Various Health Influences
To rule a nation, emperors had to deal with numerous political matters. Due to excessive workload, many emperors lacked a balanced diet and adequate rest.
Moreover, they had to constantly worry about their personal safety and how to maintain their reign without being overthrown. Work and mental pressure led the emperors to become increasingly exhausted and pass away before the age of 40.
Many emperors indulged in the pleasures of wine, immersing themselves in lavish feasts and reveling with countless beauties. Their excessively debauched lifestyle led to the premature demise of many rulers due to excessive strain on their bodies.
Due to their living environment
Emperors often resided in secluded palaces to avoid being harmed by enemies. However, this seclusion made the spread of diseases even more rampant.
Overall, there are numerous factors contributing to the relatively short lifespan of Chinese emperors, often not exceeding 40 years. Nevertheless, these reasons provide valuable insights into the lives and power dynamics of ancient rulers.
Source: Sohu
