Wu Zetian
Overview
Wu Zetian (624-705), personal name Wu Zhao (武曌), was the only woman in Chinese history to rule as emperor in her own right rather than as a regent or empress consort. She ruled China during the Tang dynasty and later established her own short-lived Zhou dynasty (690-705). Her reign spanned nearly half a century, during which she demonstrated remarkable political acumen, administrative reforms, and cultural patronage.
History
Family Background
Wu Zetian was the second daughter of Wu Shihuo (武士彟), a timber merchant who became an official in the Tang dynasty after supporting Li Yuan (later Emperor Gaozu of Tang) during his rebellion against the Sui dynasty. Her mother, Lady Yang (杨氏), was from the imperial Sui clan, being the daughter of Yang Da (杨达), the Duke of Suining and younger brother of Yang Xiong (杨雄), the Duke of Guande.
Wu Zetian was born in 624 CE, though her birthplace is debated, with possible locations being Lizhou (modern Guangyuan, Sichuan), Chang'an (modern Xi'an, Shaanxi), or Luoyang. After her father's death in 635 CE, her family's status declined, and her mother faced disrespect from male relatives.
Entry into the Imperial Palace
In 637 CE, at age 14, Wu Zetian was summoned to the imperial palace by Emperor Taizong (Li Shimin) and given the rank of fifth-grade Cairen (才人) with the name "Wu Mei" (武媚). Historical records provide limited details about her life during Emperor Taizong's reign, though she later recalled an incident where she offered to tame an unruly horse called "Shizicong" using an iron whip, iron club, or dagger if necessary.
When Emperor Taizong died in 649 CE, Wu Zetian, like other childless consorts, was sent to Ganye Temple to become a nun. However, she maintained a relationship with Emperor Gaozong (Li Zhi), Emperor Taizong's successor and son.
Return to the Palace
In 650 CE, during a visit to Ganye Temple on the anniversary of Emperor Taizong's death, Emperor Gaozong encountered Wu Zetian again. Empress Wang, who had lost favor due to her inability to bear an heir, suggested bringing Wu Zetian back to the palace as a means to counter the influence of another favorite, Consort Xiao.
Wu Zetian returned to the palace in 651 CE and quickly gained Emperor Gaozong's favor. By 652 CE, she was elevated to the second rank of Zhaoyi (昭仪). In 654 CE, she gave birth to a princess who died shortly after Empress Wang's visit. Wu Zetian allegedly killed the child and blamed Empress Wang, which strengthened Emperor Gaozong's resolve to depose Empress Wang.
Deposing Empress Wang
In 655 CE, Emperor Gaozong officially deposed Empress Wang and Consort Xiao, who were reduced to commoner status and exiled. Wu Zetian was installed as empress. This "deposition of Wang and installation of Wu" event marked a significant shift in the balance of power at court.
Rise to Power
As empress, Wu Zetian gradually increased her influence. In 660 CE, when Emperor Gaozong suffered from a severe illness that left him unable to govern, Wu Zetian began to handle state affairs. By 674 CE, Emperor Gaozong granted her the title "Tianhou" (天后, Empress of Heaven), establishing the "Two Saints" (二圣) system of governance.
Establishing the Zhou Dynasty
After Emperor Gaozong's death in 683 CE, Wu Zetian first placed her son Li Xian (later Emperor Zhongzong) on the throne, then deposed him and replaced him with her younger son Li Dan (later Emperor Ruizong). She maintained control as regent and gradually consolidated power.
In 690 CE, at age 67, Wu Zetian officially usurped the throne from her son Li Dan, establishing the Zhou dynasty and taking the title "Shensheng Huangdi" (圣神皇帝, Divine and Holy Emperor). She ruled for fifteen years until she was forced to abdicate in 705 CE due to illness.
Abdication and Death
In 705 CE, a coup known as the "Shenlong Coup" forced Wu Zetian to abdicate in favor of her son Li Xian, who became Emperor Zhongzong again. The restored Tang dynasty changed the era name to Shenlong, giving the coup its name. Wu Zetian died later that year at age 82 and was buried in Qianling (乾陵) alongside Emperor Gaozong.
Key Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Personal Name | Wu Zhao (武曌) |
| Posthumous Name | Zetian Dasheng Huangdi (则天大圣皇帝) |
| Reign Period | 690-705 CE (as emperor) |
| Dynasty Founded | Zhou (武周) |
| Birth Year | 624 CE |
| Death Year | 705 CE |
| Burial Site | Qianling (乾陵) with Emperor Gaozong |
| Major Achievements | Administrative reforms, promotion of Buddhism, establishment of imperial examination system improvements |
| Cultural Contributions | Patronage of literature, art, and architecture; commissioning of Longmen Grottoes Buddha statue |
Cultural Significance
Wu Zetian's reign represented a significant departure from traditional gender norms in imperial China. Her ability to rise from a concubine to emperor demonstrated exceptional political skill and determination.
During her reign, Wu Zetian implemented several important administrative reforms, including:
- Expanding the imperial examination system to include more candidates from lower social backgrounds
- Creating new positions for officials to improve governance
- Promoting Buddhism and commissioning significant religious artworks
She also patronized literature, art, and architecture, most notably commissioning the construction of the Longmen Grottoes' giant Vairocana Buddha statue, which took nearly four years to complete.
Modern Status
Wu Zetian remains a complex and controversial figure in Chinese history. Traditional Confucian historians often portrayed her negatively, emphasizing her usurpation of power and use of harsh officials. Modern scholarship has taken a more balanced view, recognizing her administrative abilities and the stability of her reign.
In popular culture, Wu Zetian has been portrayed in numerous films, television series, and novels, often emphasizing her dramatic life story and political maneuvering. Historical sites associated with her, particularly Qianling where she is buried alongside Emperor Gaozong, remain popular tourist destinations.
References
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Twitchett, Denis. "The Reign of Wu Tse-tien." In The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 3: Sui and T'ang China, 589-906, Part I, edited by Denis Twitchett and John K. Fairbank, 242-315. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1979.
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Ruhlmann, Robert E. "Wu Tse-tien and the Politics of Legitimation in T'ang China." Journal of the American Oriental Society 95, no. 4 (1975): 587-605.
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Kang, Joan G. "The Empress Wu Zetian in Fiction and in History: Female Power and Patronage in Tang China." Asian Theatre Journal 15, no. 1 (1998): 73-90.