Wǔ Zé Tiān (武则天)

**Wu Zetian (武则天): China’s Only Female Emperor** **Early Life and Background** Born in 624 CE during the Tang Dynasty, Wu Zetian began as the daughter of a minor noble. At 14, she entered Emperor Taizong’s court as a concubine, where her intelligence and ambition set her apart. After Taizong’s death, she defied tradition by becoming a concubine to his son, Emperor Gaozong, eventually rising to empress through shrewd political maneuvering. **Major Achievements** In 690, Wu Zetian declared herself emperor—the only woman in Chinese history to rule in her own name. She expanded the civil service exam, promoting talent over noble birth, and strengthened China’s military and economy. A patron of Buddhism, she commissioned monumental art, including the Longmen Grottoes’ statues. **Historical Significance** Wu Zetian challenged Confucian gender norms, proving a woman could wield absolute power. Her reign marked a high point in Tang prosperity, though later historians often criticized her for ruthlessness. **Interesting Facts** - She allegedly ordered the deaths of rivals, including her own children, to secure power. - Wu created new Chinese characters, like her personal name "瞾" (zhào), symbolizing her defiance of tradition. - Despite her harsh reputation, she was a skilled poet and administrator. **Legacy** Wu Zetian remains a controversial but groundbreaking figure, inspiring debates about gender and power. Modern portrayals in film and literature celebrate her as a feminist icon, while traditional histories often cast her as a villain. Her rule remains a testament to the complexities of leadership and ambition in imperial China.