Despite the fact that the teachings of Confucius were never intended to be a religion, they were promoted as the mainstream social ideology by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (first century AD), and steadily raised to the state code by successive feudal monarchies after that. For about two millennia, Confucianism had been elaborated, enriched, transformed and implemented throughout the Chinese society through a large variety of social mechanisms from the imperial examinations for public officials (ke-ju) to family organizations. Confucius himself was deified and elevated to the rank of sage, being worshipped side by side with the deities of Heaven and Earth. Official sacrifices were made at the tomb of Confucius for centuries, giving rise to the immense abundance of cultural relics in the Temple, Family Mansion and Family Cemetery of Confucius. The favor bestowed by emperors on Qufu gave the city a special aura of glory.