Final answer:
The Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City was placed on a high terrace at the end of the north-south axis to emphasize the emperor's power and divine authority. This strategic placement, along with the use of significant materials and colors, symbolized the emperor's connection to the cosmos and reinforced societal hierarchy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Hall of Supreme Harmony, located in the Forbidden City, was strategically placed on a high terrace at the end of the central north-south axis to symbolize the supreme power and authority of the emperor. This placement was deliberate, following traditional Chinese architectural and philosophical principles that emphasized symmetry, centrality, and alignment with the cardinal directions to assert the divine rule of the emperor and their connection to the cosmos. Additionally, the raised position of the hall physically elevated the emperor above others, increasing the emperor's prominence and reinforcing the hierarchical structure of the society.
The Forbidden City's design and construction utilized materials that represented power and wealth, such as logs from the Phoebe Zhennan trees, marble, and special golden bricks, to build a lavish complex that would impress and demonstrate the might of the Ming dynasty. The organization of the complex, including temples and palaces on the north-south axis, also served to enhance the rulers' authority by connecting them to the supernatural realm. Highlighting the significance of color, most notably the use of yellow tiles on the roofs, further underscored the emperor's divine status and the holiness of the site.
The Meridian Gate was the main entrance of the Forbidden City, signifying the central point through which the emperor and other figures of importance entered the complex. This gate, along with other design elements, created a grand and majestic layout befitting the residence and governmental center for emperors of China.