麻豆APP

Top 10 Facts About Empress Wu Zetian

Wu Zetian was the de facto ruler of the Tang dynasty from 665 to 705, ruling first through others and then in her own right. From 665 to 690, she was the first empress consort of the Tang dynasty as the wife of Emperor Gaozong and then, after his death, empress dowager ruling through her sons Emperors Zhongzong and Ruizong. Unprecedented in Chinese history, she subsequently founded and ruled as the female emperor of the Wu Zhou dynasty of China from 690 to 705.

Here are the top 10 facts about Empress Wu Zetian.

1. Wu Zetian was the first female emperor of the Wu Zhou dynasty of China 

Unprecedented in Chinese history, she subsequently founded and ruled as the female emperor of the Wu Zhou dynasty of China from 690 to 705. She was the only female sovereign in the history of China widely regarded as legitimate. 

Under her 40-year reign, China grew larger, becoming one of the great powers of the world, its culture and economy were revitalized, and corruption in the court was reduced. 

2. Wu Zetian was the concubine of Emperor Taizong

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In early life, Wu was the concubine of Emperor Taizong. After his death, she married his ninth son and successor, Emperor Gaozong, officially becoming Gaozong’s huanghou, or empress consort, the highest-ranking of the wives, in 655. 

Taizong was the second emperor of the Tang dynasty of China, ruling from 626 to 649. He is traditionally regarded as a co-founder of the dynasty for his role in encouraging Li Yuan, his father, to rebel against the Sui dynasty at Jinyang in 617. Taizong subsequently played a pivotal role in defeating several of the dynasty’s most dangerous opponents and solidifying its rule over China. Read more on the top 10 remarquable facts about Emperor Taizong of Tang. 

3. Wu was the most powerful and influential woman during Tang’s Rule

As a young woman entering Emperor Gaozong’s harem, she clashed with Empress Wang and Consort Xiao to gain the emperor’s affection, and eventually expelled and killed them. 

After her wedding to Gaozong in 655, Empress Wu’s rise to power was swift. A strong, charismatic, vengeful, ambitious and well-educated woman who enjoyed the absolute affection of her husband, Wu was the most powerful and influential woman at court during a period when the Tang Empire was at the peak of its glory.

Read more on 15 Famous Asian Women Who Made History: A Look at Their Contributions and Impact. 

4. Wu Zetian was regarded as the real power behind the throne in Emperor Gaozong’s reign

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Wu was more decisive and proactive than her husband, and historians consider her to have been the real power behind the throne during Emperor Gaozong’s reign for more than 20 years until his death. 

She was partially in control of power from November 660, and totally from January 665. History records that: she was at the helm of the country for long years, and her power is no different from that of the emperor. Empress Wu presided over the court with the emperor, and even held court independently when the emperor was unwell.

5. Wu Zetian was given charge of the Heirloom Seal of the Realm

The Heirloom Seal served as the imperial Chinese seal throughout the next millennium of Chinese history, and its possession was seen as a physical symbol of the Mandate of Heaven.

Wu Zetian being given charge of this seal implied that her perusal and consent were necessary before any document or order received legal validity. Gaozong sought her views on all matters before issuing orders. Wu was granted certain honours and privileges not enjoyed by any Chinese empresses before or since.

6. Empress Wu is considered one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This was due to her strong leadership and effective governance, which made China one of the world’s most powerful nations. The importance to the history of her period of political and military leadership includes the major expansion of the Chinese empire, extending it far beyond its previous territorial limits. 

Within China, besides the more direct consequences of her struggle to gain and maintain supreme power, Wu’s leadership resulted in important effects regarding social class in Chinese society and in relation to state support for Taoism, Buddhism, education, and literature. Read more on 5 Famous Chinese Empresses. 

7. Wu Zetian during her tenure build a strong intelligence system in the empire

Wu developed a network of spies to build a strong intelligence system in the court and throughout the empire, delivering daily reports on current affairs of the empire or opposition to the central state. 

Empress Wu also played a key role in reforming the imperial examination system and encouraging capable officials to work in governance to maintain a peaceful and well-governed state. Effectively, these reforms improved her nation’s bureaucracy by placing competence, rather than family connection, at the centre of the civil service.

8. Wu Zetian had a monumental impact on the statuary of the Longmen Grottoes 

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Wu Zetian had a significant impact on Wordless Stele at the Qianling Mausoleum, as well as the construction of some major buildings and bronze castings that no longer survive. 

Longmen Grottoes also known as  Longmen Caves are some of the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art. Housing tens of thousands of statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and his disciples, they are located 12 kilometres south of present-day Luoyang in Henan province, China.

9. Wu Zetian was a mother of four sons

Besides her career as a political leader, Wu also had an active family life. She was a mother of four sons, three of whom also carried the title of emperor, although one held that title only as a posthumous honor.

 10. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang was Wu Zetian’s grandson

Emperor Xuanzong of Tang was the seventh emperor of the Tang dynasty in China, reigning from 712 to 756 CE. His reign of 44 years was the longest during the Tang dynasty. 

In the early half of his reign, he was a diligent and astute ruler. Ably assisted by capable chancellors like Yao Chong, Song Jing and Zhang Yue, he was credited with bringing the Tang dynasty to a pinnacle of culture and power.