Wu Zetian: Difference between revisions

'''Wu Zetian'''{{family name footnote|lang=Chinese|[[Wu (surname)|Wu]]|reftype=NoteTag}} (17 February 624{{NoteTag|The birth year given here is deduced from the age at death given in the ''[[New Book of Tang]]'', compiled in 1045–1060, which is the date favored by modern historians. The year of birth deduced from the age at death in the ''[[Old Book of Tang]]'', compiled in 941–945, is 623. The year of birth deducted from the age at death and the age when she entered the palace, in the ''[[Zizhi Tongjian]]'', compiled in 1065–84, is 624. Compare {{harvnb|New Book of Tang||loc=[[:zh:s:新唐書/卷004|vol. 4]]}} with {{harvnb|Old Book of Tang||loc= [[:zh:s:舊唐書/卷6|vol. 6]]}} and {{harvnb|Zizhi Tongjian|1084|loc= vols. [[:zh:s:資治通鑑/卷195|195]], [[:zh:s:資治通鑑/卷208|208]]}}|name="birth"}}{{NoteTag|General note: Dates given here are in the [[Julian calendar]]. They are not in the [[proleptic Gregorian calendar]].}} – 16 December 705),<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title = Worlds Together Worlds Apart |last = Pollard |first = Elizabeth |year = 2015 |publisher = W.W. Norton Company |location = New York |page = 318 |isbn = 978-0-393-91847-2 }}</ref><ref name="Paludan, 100">{{harvp|Paludan|1998|p= 100}}</ref> personal name '''Wu Zhao''', was the first and only female [[Emperor of China|emperor]] in Chinese history,<ref name=":2" /> and ''[[de facto]]'' ruler of the [[Tang dynasty]] from 665 to 705, ruling first through others and then (from 690) in her own right. From 665 to 690, she was first [[List of Chinese consorts|empress consort]] of the Tang dynasty (as wife of the [[Emperor Gaozong of Tang|Emperor Gaozong]]) and then, after his death, [[List of Chinese consorts|empress dowager]] (ruling through her sons Emperors [[Emperor Zhongzong of Tang|Zhongzong]] and [[Emperor Ruizong of Tang|Ruizong]]). Unprecedented in Chinese history, she subsequently founded and ruled as female emperor of the [[Zhou dynasty (690–705)|Wu Zhou dynasty]] of China from 690 to 705.<ref name=":0" /> She was the only female [[sovereign]] in the history of China widely [[Mandate of Heaven|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. She was removed from power in a [[coup]] and died a few months later.

 

 

Wu was more decisive and proactive than her husband, and historians consider her to have been the real power behind the throne during 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 "[s]he was at the helm of the country for long years, her power is no different from that of the emperor." Wu presided over the court with the emperor, and even held court independently when the emperor was unwell. She was given charge of the [[Heirloom Seal of the Realm]], implying that her perusal and consent were necessary before any document or order received legal validity. Gaozong sought her views on all matters before making major decisions. Wu was also granted certain honors and privileges not enjoyed by any Chinese empresses before or since. After Gaozong's death, Wu as empress dowager and regent held power completely and solely, used absolute power more forcefully and violently than before, and suppressed her overt and covert opponents. Seven years later, Wu seized the throne and began the Zhou dynasty, becoming the only empress regnant in Chinese history.