<P> The concept of the Mandate of Heaven was first used to support the rule of the kings of the Zhou dynasty ( 1046 -- 256 BCE ) , and legitimize their overthrow of the earlier Shang dynasty ( 1600 -- 1069 BCE ) . It was used throughout the history of China to legitimize the successful overthrow and installation of new emperors , including non-Han ethnic monarchs such as the Qing dynasty . This concept was also used by monarchs in neighboring countries like Korea and Vietnam . A similar situation prevailed since the establishment of Ahom rule in the Kingdom of Assam of India . </P>
how did kings of the zhou dynasty obtain power
The concept of the Mandate of Heaven