What was the role of the emperor in Japan according to the text, and how did this evolve?

Analysis:

• Initially, the emperor was the source of land allocation, with peasants receiving land from him and paying taxes.
• However, over time, especially around the 10th century, the emperor's direct role in land distribution diminished as officials began to inherit and control land.
• The text also mentions that the emperor was the head of state ('Во главе государства стал император'), and for strengthening his power, administrative reforms were implemented.
• Furthermore, the text notes a religious belief that emperors are descendants of the Sun goddess.

Answer:

Initially, the emperor was the ultimate source of land, which he granted to peasants in exchange for taxes. As the state developed and administrative reforms were implemented (modeled after China), the emperor remained the head of state. However, by the 10th century, the actual control and inheritance of land shifted to officials, though the religious belief persisted that emperors were descendants of the Sun goddess.