# Wu Zetian

> founding empress of Zhou dynasty (r. 690–705); de facto ruler of Tang dynasty from 665 to 690

**Wikidata**: [Q9738](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9738)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu_Zetian)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wu-zetian

## Summary
Wu Zetian was the founding empress of the Zhou dynasty (r. 690–705) and a de facto ruler of the Tang dynasty from 665 to 690. She is known for her political and cultural achievements, including the introduction of Chinese characters that later fell into disuse after her death.

## Biography
- Born: 624 (approximate date)
- Nationality: Chinese
- Education: [Not specified]
- Known for: Establishing the Zhou dynasty and reforming Tang dynasty governance
- Employer(s): Tang dynasty (de facto ruler, 665–690)
- Field(s): Politics, governance, cultural reform

## Contributions
- Founded the Zhou dynasty in 690, ruling as empress regnant.
- Served as de facto ruler of the Tang dynasty from 665 to 690.
- Introduced Chinese characters that were later abandoned after her death (e.g., 地 → 埊, 照 → 曌).
- Oversaw significant political and cultural reforms during her reigns.

## FAQs
**What was Wu Zetian's role in the Tang dynasty?**
Wu Zetian served as a de facto ruler of the Tang dynasty from 665 to 690, wielding significant political influence despite not being the official emperor.

**What is the Zhou dynasty (690–705)?**
The Zhou dynasty (690–705) was a ruling dynasty of imperial China, founded by Wu Zetian after she overthrew the Tang dynasty.

**What changes did Wu Zetian introduce in Chinese writing?**
Wu Zetian introduced new Chinese characters that later fell into disuse after her death, such as replacing 地 with 埊 and 照 with 曌.

## Why They Matter
Wu Zetian's reigns as de facto ruler of the Tang dynasty and founding empress of the Zhou dynasty marked a period of significant political and cultural transformation. Her reforms and character innovations, though short-lived, influenced later developments in Chinese governance and writing. Her legacy remains a subject of historical and cultural study, highlighting the complexities of imperial power and the fluidity of dynastic succession in ancient China.

## Notable For
- Founding empress of the Zhou dynasty (690–705).
- De facto ruler of the Tang dynasty (665–690).
- Introduction of Chinese characters that later fell into disuse.
- Oversaw political and cultural reforms during her reigns.

## Body
### Early Life and Rise to Power
Wu Zetian was born in 624 and rose to prominence as a concubine of the Tang dynasty emperor. She gained influence through her political acumen and strategic alliances, eventually becoming a key figure in imperial governance.

### Reign as De Facto Ruler of Tang
From 665 to 690, Wu Zetian served as a de facto ruler of the Tang dynasty, wielding significant political power despite not being the official emperor. Her tenure was marked by administrative reforms and cultural initiatives.

### Founding of the Zhou Dynasty
In 690, Wu Zetian founded the Zhou dynasty, ruling as empress regnant. Her reign was brief but influential, shaping the political landscape of imperial China.

### Cultural and Writing Reforms
Wu Zetian introduced new Chinese characters that later fell into disuse after her death. These innovations, such as replacing 地 with 埊 and 照 with 曌, reflect her efforts to modernize and reform traditional writing systems.

### Legacy and Influence
Wu Zetian's legacy remains a subject of historical and cultural study, highlighting the complexities of imperial power and the fluidity of dynastic succession in ancient China. Her contributions to governance and writing, though short-lived, continue to be analyzed for their historical significance.

## References

1. [Encyclopedia of Chinese History](https://books.google.com/books?id=2UAlDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA758)
2. [Source](http://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/final/deck/8893539)
3. [Source](http://www.drben.net/ChinaReport/Sources/Geography/Rivers/Yellow_River/History/Yellow_River-Huang_He-History_Of-4-Sui_Dynasty-Tang-Dynasty.html)
4. [Source](http://www.chinaculture.org/focus/focus/cities/2010-08/17/content_391351.htm)
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/27/arts/music/27wu.html?hpw)
7. [Source](http://www.spokeo.com/Wu+Zetian+1)
8. Facebook
9. China Biographical Database
10. Japanese Wikipedia
11. Ming Qing Women's Writings
12. International Standard Name Identifier
13. CiNii Research
14. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. [Source](https://cbdb.fas.harvard.edu/cbdbapi/person.php?id=93663)
17. Autoritats UB
18. BBC Things
19. LIBRIS. 2013