Born: 624
Died: 705
Biography:
Wu Zetian (17 February 624 16 December 705), known by her personal name Wu Zhao, was the first and only female Emperor in Chinese history. She was the de facto ruler of the Tang dynasty from 665 to 705, initially ruling through others and then, from 690, in her own right. Wu Zetian was first the empress consort of the Tang dynasty, married to Emperor Gaozong, and later became the empress dowager after his death, ruling through her sons, Emperors Zhongzong and Ruizong. However, she has a more extraordinary claim to fame as the founder and ruler of the Wu Zhou dynasty of China from 690 to 705. During her time, Wu Zetian proved herself as the only female sovereign in the history of China widely regarded as legitimate.
Born into a noble family in 624, Wu entered the imperial palace at an early age as a concubine of Emperor Taizong. After Emperor Taizong’s death, she married his ninth son, Emperor Gaozong, officially becoming his empress consort in 655. Even before officially becoming empress consort, Wu Zetian wielded significant political power. Once she assumed the title, she swiftly began to control the court and, after Emperor Gaozong suffered a debilitating stroke in 660, she became the de facto ruler, with an authority on par with the emperor’s.
From the moment she entered Emperor Gaozong’s harem, Wu faced staunch opposition from Empress Wang and Consort Xiao, who were vying for the emperor’s affection. However, Wu outmaneuvered them and eventually expelled and killed both rivals. Once she solidified her position as empress consort, Wu Zetian’s rise to power was rapid. As a strong, charismatic, and well-educated woman, she enjoyed the absolute affection of her husband and became the most powerful and influential woman at court during the Tang Empire’s peak era of glory.
Historians consider Wu Zetian to have been the real power behind the throne for more than 20 years of Emperor Gaozong’s reign, which lasted until his death. She was more decisive and proactive than her husband, leading to speculation that she was the one truly in control of the empire. Evidence supports this claim as she assumed partial control of power in November 660 and took full control in January 665. Wu Zetian presided over court proceedings alongside the emperor and even held court independently when he was unable. She was entrusted with the Heirloom Seal of the Realm, symbolizing that her approval was necessary before any document or order could receive legal validity.
Under Wu Zetian’s rule, China experienced significant growth and became one of the great powers of the world. Her reign saw the revitalization of Chinese culture and economy, with corruption in the court being notably reduced. Wu Zetian’s accomplishments were unprecedented, and she left an indelible mark on Chinese history.
However, despite her remarkable achievements, Wu Zetian’s reign was not without controversy. She faced opposition from conservative factions who found her reign as a female emperor illegitimate. Additionally, her control over the court came at the expense of the traditional Confucian patriarchal system. Wu Zetian employed a more inclusive approach, appointing officials based on merit rather than birthright. These actions challenged the established norms and met criticism from traditionalists.
In 705, Wu Zetian was removed from power in a coup led by her son, Li Xian, who would later become Emperor Zhongzong. A few months later, she passed away, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate historians, scholars, and admirers of women’s history.