[1] According to Chinese mythology, it was the system used by the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors before the switch to hereditary rule in the Xia dynasty.
Rather than engaging in warfare to establish dominance, these tribes opted for a more peaceful approach by selecting their leaders via an electoral process.
[5] This method facilitated a nonviolent transition of power, with the leader's role being transferred through dialogue and a democratic approach instead of through conflict and aggression.
[5] A resurgence of curiosity in the abdication system has been sparked by the discovery of four brief texts unearthed in recent Chinese archeological excavations.
[4] Although the primary texts were lost in the burning of books and burying of scholars that took place between 213 and 212 BCE, the concept continued to be a part of political discussions throughout history.