Alternative Titles:
Wu Zetian, Wu Zhao, Wu-hou
Wuhou, Wade-Giles romanization Wu-hou, original name Wu Zhao, also called Wu Zetian (born ad 624, Wenshui [now in Shanxi province], China—died Dec. 16, 705, Luoyang), posthumous name (shi) of the woman who rose from concubinage to become empress of China during the Tang dynasty (618–907). She ruled effectively for many years, the last 15 (690–705) in her own name. During her reign, Tang rule was consolidated, and the empire was unified.
Wu Zhao entered the palace of the Tang emperor Taizong (ruled 626–649) in 638, at the age of 14, as a junior concubine. By ... (100 of 1,255 words)