Biography of Empress Wu

Biography of Empress Wu the only woman to take the title of Emperor of China.

Learn about the biography of Empress Wu Zetian the only woman who became Emperor of China including her rise to power, accomplishments, early life, legacy, and fun facts.

• Occupation: Emperor of China
• Born: February 17, 624 Lizhou, China
• Died: December 16, 705 in Luoyang, China
• Reign: October 16, 690 to February 22, 705
• Best known for: The only woman to be Emperor of China

Biography of Empress Wu : 

Growing Up

Wu Zetian was brought into the world on February 17, 624 in Lizhou, China. She experienced childhood in a rich distinguished family and her dad was a high positioning clergyman in the public authority. Not at all like numerous young ladies of her time, Wu was given a well-rounded schooling. She was educated to peruse, compose, and to play music. Wu was a savvy and aggressive young lady who realized all she could about legislative issues and how the public authority functioned.

The Imperial Palace

When Wu was fourteen she moved into the imperial palace to serve the Emperor Taizong. She continued her education at the palace until the emperor died in 649. As was the custom, when the emperor died she was sent to a convent to become a nun for the rest of her life. Wu had other plans, however. She became romantic with the new emperor, Emperor Gaozong, and soon found herself back at the imperial palace as consort (like a second wife) to the emperor.

Becoming Empress

Back at the palace, Wu began to gain influence over the emperor. She became one of his favorite wives. The emperor’s main wife, Empress Wang, became jealous and the two women became bitter rivals. When Wu’s daughter died, she hatched a plan against the Empress. She told the emperor that Empress Wang had killed her daughter out of jealousy. The emperor believed her and had Empress Wang arrested. He then promoted Wu to Empress.

Over the next several years, Wu established herself as a significant power behind the throne. She built up strong allies in the government and eliminated rivals. When the emperor became sick in 660, she began to rule through him.

Becoming Emperor

In 683, Emperor Gaozong died and Wu’s son became emperor. Wu became regent (like a temporary ruler) while her son was still young. Although she didn’t yet have the title of emperor, she had all the power. In 690, Wu had her son step down as emperor. She then declared a new dynasty, the Zhou Dynasty, and officially took the title of emperor. She was the first and only woman to become emperor of China. 

Secret Police

It was difficult for a woman to maintain power in Ancient China. Wu managed this by using secret police to spy on people. She developed a large system of spies who helped determine who was loyal and who wasn’t. Wu rewarded those who were found loyal, but had her enemies put to death.

Ruling China

Another reason that Wu was able to keep power was because she was a very good emperor. She made intelligent decisions that helped China to prosper. She surrounded herself with competent and talented people by promoting people based on their abilities rather than by their family history.

During her reign, Empress Wu expanded the borders of China by conquering new lands in Korea and Central Asia. She also helped to improve the lives of the peasants by lowering taxes, building new public works, and improving farming techniques.

Death

Empress Wu died in 705. Her son, Emperor Zhongzong, took over as emperor and reestablished the Tang Dynasty.

Interesting facts about Empress Wu Zetian

• Because Confucianism didn’t allow women to rule, Wu elevated the religion of Buddhism as the state religion in China.
• Three of Wu’s sons ruled as emperor at some point.
• Some scholars believe that Wu killed her own daughter in order to frame the Empress Wang.
• Her birth name was Wu Zhao. Emperor Taizong gave her the nickname “Mei”, which means “pretty.”

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