Wu Zetian
Source: Wikipedia: Wu Zetian
Monarchs, Kings & Royalty • Historical Archive • 🇨🇳 Tang Dynasty • 3 views

Wu Zetian 🇨🇳

武则天 (武曌)
["Empress Regnant of China", "Founder of Zhou Dynasty", "Reformer of Imperial Examinations"]
Born Feb 17, 0624 🇨🇳 Lizhou (Guangyuan, Sichuan), Tang Dynasty
Passed Away Dec 16, 0705 Shangyang Palace (Luoyang), Zhou/Tang Dynasty
Lifespan 81 years old
3 views
Notice / Correction
"Let my tombstone bear no inscription; let history and future generations judge my deeds."

Archival Overview

Only female emperor regnant in five millennia of Chinese history, who founded her own Zhou Dynasty (690–705 CE), expanded the empire, and democratized government through imperial civil service examinations.

Biographical Record

Entering the imperial palace as a concubine to Emperor Taizong, Wu Zetian (624–705 CE) rose to become empress consort to Emperor Gaozong. Following his death, she outmaneuvered rival factions and in 690 boldly declared herself Emperor (Huangdi) of China, naming her dynasty the Zhou.

Wu Zetian broke the monopoly of aristocratic clans by opening the imperial civil service examination (Keju) to talented commoners regardless of birth. She patronized Buddhist sculpture at Longmen Grottoes (the monumental Fengxian Vairocana Buddha was carved in her likeness). Per her instructions, her tombstone was left entirely blank.

Key Life Milestones

0690

Proclamation of the Zhou Dynasty

Ascended the Dragon Throne as the only official female Emperor Regnant in Chinese history.

c. 675 CE

Carving of the Longmen Fengxian Buddha

Funded the colossal 17-meter Vairocana Buddha at Longmen Grottoes, carved in her likeness.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial
Qianling Mausoleum (Blank Tablet / Wuzi Bei)
Qian County (Shaanxi), China
GPS: 34.5761, 108.2167
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