Wu Zetian

Wu Zetian was the only female emperor in China's history. She ruled the Tang Dynasty as empress (655–690), and then as Emperor for 15 years, in the seldom-mentioned Zhou Dynasty. During her long reign totaling 50 years, the empire became relatively stable, peaceful, powerful, and prosperous. She began her life at court as a concubine of the emperor Taizong. After his death, she married his son, Gaozong and became empress consort but actually was the power behind the emperor. When Gaozong died in 683, Wu took control of the government as empress dowager, placing two of her sons on the throne and removing them almost as quickly. She was the power behind the throne from Gaozong's death in 683 until she proclaimed herself openly in 690 and ruled as emperor of China until a year before her death in 705, at the age of 81. Wu Zetian was a capable and ambitious ruler who reformed the administration, the currency, the writing system, the weights and measures, and the laws. She also undertook massive construction projects, such as the imperial palace, the road network, and the canal system. She promoted Buddhism as the state religion and patronized arts and education. She also ordered the burning of books and the execution of scholars who opposed her rule. She sought immortality and sent expeditions to find the elixir of life. She also built a grand mausoleum for herself, guarded by a terracotta army of thousands of life-sized soldiers and horses. Wu Zetian is regarded as one of the most influential and controversial figures in Chinese history. She is praised for her achievements in unifying China and creating a lasting legacy of culture and civilization. She is also criticized for her tyranny, cruelty, and oppression of the people.