# Emperor Zhongzong of Tang

> emperor of the Tang Dynasty

**Wikidata**: [Q9717](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9717)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Zhongzong_of_Tang)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/emperor-zhongzong-of-tang

## Summary
Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, born Lǐ Xiǎn (李显), was the fourth emperor of the Tang Dynasty in China, reigning during two separate periods. He played a pivotal role in restoring Tang imperial authority after the brief interruption by Empress Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty. His reigns were marked by political instability and the resurgence of aristocratic influence at court.

## Biography
- Born: November 26, 656
- Nationality: Chinese
- Education: Trained in imperial court protocols and governance under Tang royal tutelage
- Known for: Restoring Tang imperial rule after Wu Zetian's reign
- Employer(s): Imperial Court of the Tang Dynasty
- Field(s): Monarch, Political Leadership

## Contributions
Emperor Zhongzong of Tang is primarily known for:
- Resuming the Tang imperial line following the collapse of Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty in 705
- Re-establishing traditional bureaucratic structures weakened during Wu's reign
- Navigating complex court politics involving powerful noble families and eunuchs
- Overseeing a period of relative administrative continuity despite internal palace intrigue

## FAQs
**Who was Emperor Zhongzong of Tang?**  
Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, also known as Lǐ Xiǎn or Li Zhe, was the fourth ruler of the Tang Dynasty in China. He ruled in two separate periods: first from 683 to 684, then again from 705 until his death in 710. He is recognized for restoring the Tang imperial house after the interregnum of Wu Zetian’s Zhou regime.

**What were the names and titles associated with Emperor Zhongzong of Tang?**  
His personal name was Lǐ Xiǎn (李显), though he was also known by aliases such as Li Zhe, Wu Xian, and Zhong Zong. His posthumous title was "Dahe dasheng dazhao xiao huangdi" (大和大聖大昭孝皇帝), meaning "Great Harmony, Great Sanctity, Great Radiant Filial Emperor."

**How did Emperor Zhongzong come to power?**  
Zhongzong initially became emperor in 683 upon the death of his father, Emperor Gaozong. However, he was quickly deposed by his mother, Empress Wu Zetian, in 684. He was later restored to the throne in 705 after Wu Zetian was overthrown in a coup led by court officials and members of the Li royal family.

**What happened during Emperor Zhongzong's second reign?**  
During his second reign (705–710), Zhongzong worked to reassert Tang legitimacy and rebuild governmental institutions disrupted during Wu Zetian's rule. However, his court remained politically unstable due to factional struggles among nobles and increasing influence of palace eunuchs.

**When and how did Emperor Zhongzong die?**  
Emperor Zhongzong died on July 3, 710. Historical accounts suggest that he may have been poisoned, possibly by Empress Wei and Princess Anle, who sought to control the succession. His death led to further political upheaval and eventually the brief reign of his sister, Princess Taiping, and nephew, Emperor Ruizong.

## Why They Matter
Emperor Zhongzong of Tang played a critical transitional role in Chinese imperial history. His restoration of the Tang throne marked the end of Wu Zetian's unprecedented reign as China's only female emperor and re-established the Li family's legitimacy. Though his own rule was characterized by court infighting and limited central control, it paved the way for later reforms under subsequent emperors. His era reflects the complexities of power consolidation in the mature Tang period and underscores the enduring resilience of the dynasty amid dynastic shifts.

## Notable For
- Being the fourth official emperor of the Tang Dynasty
- Resuming the Li family's imperial rule after Wu Zetian's Zhou interregnum
- Having two distinct reigns separated by deposition and exile
- Being posthumously honored with the title "Dahe dasheng dazhao xiao huangdi"
- Dying under suspicious circumstances amid court intrigue
- Being succeeded by a series of short-lived rulers, highlighting the fragility of Tang succession at the time

## Body
### Early Life and First Reign
Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, originally named Lǐ Xiǎn, was born on November 26, 656, as the seventh son of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu (later Wu Zetian). He was made crown prince in 680 but was later demoted and exiled after being accused of insubordination by his mother. In 683, following the death of Emperor Gaozong, Li Xian ascended the throne as Zhongzong. However, real power remained with Empress Wu, who deposed him in 684 and exiled him to southern China.

### Exile and Restoration
Zhongzong spent over two decades in exile, stripped of political influence. He was reinstated as emperor in 705 after a coup orchestrated by officials including Zhang Jianzhi and members of the Li royal family successfully overthrew Wu Zetian. This event marked the formal end of Wu’s Zhou Dynasty and the restoration of the Tang under the Li lineage.

### Second Reign and Governance
Upon his return to power in 705, Zhongzong faced a court rife with factionalism. His second reign was dominated by the competing influences of Empress Wei (his wife), Princess Taiping (his sister), and court eunuchs. Despite efforts to restore traditional governance, Zhongzong struggled to assert control. His court became a battleground for political alliances, with decisions often swayed by powerful family members and palace factions.

### Death and Political Aftermath
Zhongzong died on July 3, 710. Many historians believe he was poisoned, possibly by Empress Wei and Princess Anle, who aimed to install their own allies in power. His sudden death triggered a succession crisis, leading to a brief reign by his infant grandson before Princess Taiping and her allies installed Zhongzong's nephew, Li Longji (later Emperor Xuanzong), as emperor.

### Legacy and Historical Significance
Zhongzong’s reigns reflect the turbulent dynamics of late 7th-century Chinese politics. While he lacked the strong leadership of his predecessors, his restoration of the Tang name was crucial in maintaining dynastic continuity. His era is often seen as a transitional phase that preceded the more stable and prosperous reigns of later Tang emperors, particularly Emperor Xuanzong, whose rise was indirectly shaped by the instability following Zhongzong’s death.

### Titles and Identity
Zhongzong was known by several names and titles, including:
- Personal name: Lǐ Xiǎn (李显)
- Alternate names: Li Zhe, Wu Xian, Xiaohe huangdi
- Posthumous title: Dahe dasheng dazhao xiao huangdi (大和大聖大昭孝皇帝)
These titles reflect both his official status and the reverence accorded to him posthumously.

### Cultural and Political Context
Zhongzong’s rule occurred during a period of shifting power dynamics in the Tang court. His reigns coincided with the increasing influence of eunuchs and the resurgence of aristocratic families, both of which would play long-term roles in Tang governance. His life illustrates the complexities of ruling during a time when imperial authority was often contested by powerful internal factions.

## References

1. China Biographical Database
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013