Yao (ruler)

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Yao (Traditional Chinese:堯, Simplified Chinese:尧) (2358 - 2258 BC)^{[citation needed]} was a legendary Chinese ruler, one of the Three Sovereigns and the Five Emperors. Also known as Yaotang-shi (陶唐氏), he was born Yi Fangxun (伊放勳) or Yi Qi (伊祈) as the second son to Emperor Ku and Qingdu (慶都). He is also known as Tang Yao (唐堯).

Often extolled as the morally perfect sage-king, Yao's benevolence and diligence served as a model to future Chinese monarchs and emperors. Early Chinese often speak of Yao, Shun and Yu as historical figures, and contemporary historians believe they may represent leader-chiefs of allied tribes who established a unified and hierarchical system of government in a transition period to the patriarchal feudal society.

According to legend, Yao became the ruler at 20 and died at 119 when he passed his throne to Great Shun, to whom he gave his two daughters in marriage.

Of his many contributions, Yao is said to have invented the game of Go, reportedly as an amusement for his slow-witted son Dan Zhu.

[edit] See also

• Chinese mythology

[edit] External links

• http://www.threekingdoms.com/history.htm#2_3_1
• http://csgo.org/about/history.php

Yao (ruler) Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
Preceded by Ku	Emperor of China c. 2358 BC – c. 2258 BC	Succeeded by Shun