Chinese monarchs were rulers of various dynasties throughout China's long history, with the first known dynasty being the Xia Dynasty around 2070 BCE. These monarchs held absolute power and were often seen as the "Son of Heaven," believed to have a divine right to rule. The most notable dynasties include the Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, each contributing to China's cultural, political, and economic development. The role of Chinese monarchs varied over time, with some focusing on military expansion and others on cultural achievements. The Mandate of Heaven was a key concept, justifying a ruler's authority and allowing for the overthrow of unjust monarchs. The last imperial dynasty, the Qing Dynasty, ended in 1912, leading to the establishment of the Republic of China.