Wu Zetian rules China

From the palace edges

Wu Zhao entered the Tang court as a young concubine in the 630s. After Emperor Taizong died, she returned as a consort of his son, Emperor Gaozong. In 655, she became his empress.

Power behind the throne

Gaozong suffered from poor health, including strokes. Wu began handling government business and joined him at court. After he died in 683, she ruled through her sons.

Emperor in her own name

In 690, Wu declared a new dynasty called Zhou and took the title of emperor. She is the only woman in Chinese history to rule in her own name. She made Luoyang her main capital.

Half a century of power

Nearly 50 years

Wu stood at the centre of power for nearly 50 years, as empress, regent and then emperor. Her own reign lasted 15 years. A palace coup forced her to give up the throne in 705.

Talent and terror

Wu expanded the civil service exams, so more officials rose through merit. She was a strong patron of Buddhism. She also used informers and secret police, and many rivals were exiled or killed.

Why it still matters

Traditional Confucian historians often painted Wu as a villain. Many now see her as capable and ruthless, like many emperors. Her story shows a woman reaching the top of a system built to keep her out.

Review question

What did Wu Zetian name the dynasty she declared in 690?

Answer: Zhou. Wu named her dynasty Zhou, after an ancient and respected Chinese dynasty. It ended when she was forced from the throne in 705.

How did Wu change the way officials were chosen?

Answer: She expanded the civil service exams. Wu widened the exam system, so more officials won posts through ability. This weakened the hold of old aristocratic families.

Image credits

• The Vairocana Buddha at Longmen, from Tang times · Gary Todd · CC0 · Source page