Confucius Admired by Emperors thoughout the History
After Confucius died, his former residence was renovated into a temple, called the “Confucian Temple", in which have been displayed the clothing, hats, zither, chariot and books he used during his lifetime. ln 195 BC, when Liu Bang, Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty, toured past Qufu, he personally offered sacrifices to Confucius in the highest rites, with ceremonial offerings including oxen, pigs and goats. Confucian scholars of later generations believed that Liu Bang's deed had laid the foundation for the Han Dynasty for over 400 years. All the successive emperors followed his example. 12 emperors in total, altogether made 19 trips to Qufu to hold memorial ceremonies to the sage in the Confucius Temple. In addition, nearly 100 emperors sent special envoys to the temple, 196 times in total, to make sacrificial offerings.
