The emperors were at the top of the social structure therefore they ruled the kingdom. The Shang Dynasy was ruled by 30 emperors during its 6th century rule. The first emperor of The Shang Dynasty was Cheng Tang. Cheng Tang built his capital in what is now Central China and also built organized towns that were laid out in a grid pattern. The Shang moved their capitals around in a series of towns along the Yellow River and kingship was passed on from brother to brother but then the tradition changed to from father to oldest son.