Wu Zetian

Wu Zetian was born to Wu Shihuo and Lady Yang in Wen Shui, a county in the Tang Dynasty. Her father was a prominent official and her mother was from a noble family.

At the age of 13, Wu Zetian was selected to become a concubine in the imperial harem of Emperor Taizong. She was given the title of Fifth Rank Concubine (Cairen).

After Emperor Taizong's death, Wu Zetian entered the Buddhist monastery, but was later brought back to the palace by Emperor Gaozong and became his concubine. She was soon promoted to the rank of Second Rank Concubine (Zhaoyi).

Wu Zetian successfully maneuvered her way to becoming the Empress of Emperor Gaozong, displacing the incumbent empress Wang. Her rise to power was marked by political intrigue and the removal of rivals.

As Emperor Gaozong's health declined, Wu Zetian began to take on more political responsibilities, effectively ruling the empire as regent. Her influence over the court and government grew significantly.

After Emperor Gaozong's death, Wu Zetian became Empress Dowager and regent for her son, Emperor Zhongzong. She quickly deposed him and replaced him with her younger son, Emperor Ruizong.

Wu Zetian deposed Emperor Ruizong and proclaimed herself the founding Empress of the Zhou Dynasty, becoming the only female emperor in Chinese history. She ruled with a mix of reform and authoritarianism.

Wu Zetian implemented various reforms, including the promotion of talented officials, the expansion of the civil service examination system, and the compilation of agricultural and medical texts.

Wu Zetian successfully quelled a major rebellion led by the Khitan people, demonstrating her military prowess and political acumen. This victory solidified her rule and expanded her influence.

Wu Zetian died at the age of 81 in Shangyang Palace, Luoyang. She was succeeded by her son, Emperor Zhongzong, who restored the Tang Dynasty. Her legacy as a powerful and controversial ruler endures.