<P> The apex of the nobility is the sovereign . The title of the sovereign has changed over time , together with the connotations of the respective titles . In Chinese history are generally 3 levels of supreme and fully independent sovereignty or high , significantly autonomous sovereignty above the next lower category of ranks , the aristocracy who usually recognized the overlordship of a higher sovereign or ruled a semi-independent , tributary , or independent realm of self - recognized insufficient importance in size , power , or influence to claim a sovereign title , such as a Duchy which in Western terms would be called a Duchy , Principality , or some level of Chiefdom . </P>
<P> The apex of the nobility is the sovereign . The title of the sovereign has changed over time , together with the connotations of the respective titles . In Chinese history are generally 3 levels of supreme and fully independent sovereignty or high , significantly autonomous sovereignty above the next lower category of ranks , the aristocracy who usually recognized the overlordship of a higher sovereign or ruled a semi-independent , tributary , or independent realm of self - recognized insufficient importance in size , power , or influence to claim a sovereign title , such as a Duchy which in Western terms would be called a Duchy , Principality , or some level of Chiefdom . </P>
who was considered the head of the house in ancient china
who was considered the head of the house in ancient china
sovereign
sovereign