60 Wu Zetian

The Only Female King in Chinese History

Wu Zetian (624-705) was the queen of Emperor Gaozong (Taizong’s son). After she made herself a female king, she changed the country title from Tang Dynasty to Zhou Dynasty. Wu, as a female king, was a figure full of pros and cons lasting in history. Those cons said she made use of every evil means possible to kill every one on road her ascending the power; and the other said, she entrusted capable officials to create an effective administration, and she also truly turned over the tradition of “man dominating woman”.

Wu Zetian had initially been a court maid to take care of Emperor Taizong (serving sleep), and later became a concubine of Emperor Gaozong. Emperor Gaozong wanted to promote Wu to be the queen. When Gaozong asked for advice from some high officials, two (a premier) tended to disagree. As soon as Wu took the power, she killed both of them.