Empress Wu Zetian (690 AD–705 AD)

The only female monarch in ancient China was Empress Wu Zetian, a member of the Zhou dynasty. She implemented several significant reforms between 690 and 705 AD, the duration of her rule. Her political and military leadership has left a lasting legacy, and she waged several battles to expand China's borders.

Early in her life, Wu Zetian was Emperor Taizong's concubine. As a young lady entering Emperor Gaozong's harem, she clashed with Empress Wang and Xiao Shi in an effort to win the emperor's love. Following Taizong's passing, she wed Emperor Gaozong, his successor, and formally assumed the title of empress of Gaozong, the highest position for a wife in 655. Wu Zetian was the most powerful and prominent lady in the court during the height of the Tang dynasty because of her strength, charm, vindictiveness, ambition, and education, as well as the full love of her husband. Even before becoming queen, she possessed a great deal of political influence in the court. After being announced as the queen's consort, she began to control government affairs. Wu Zetian took over as imperial administrator following Emperor Gaozong's stroke in 660, serving in that capacity until 705.

Empress Wu's capacity for excellent leadership and administration has led to her being regarded as one of the greatest rulers in Chinese history. China is now among the most powerful nations in the world as a result of this. Wu Zetian made significant contributions to history through his political and military leadership, including the significant expansion of the Chinese empire far beyond its former borders, into Central Asia, and entry into a number of wars on the Korean Peninsula, initially allying with Silla against Goguryeo and later against Silla. In addition to the effects of her battle for and preservation of supremacy, Wu's leadership in China had significant effects on social class and the accompanying state support for Taoism, Buddhism, education, and literature.

In order to create a strong intelligence apparatus in the court and across the empire, she established a network of spies. She was also crucial in improving the imperial examination process and inspiring capable officials to try to uphold a stable and well-run government. These changes made her enormous nation's bureaucracy better by putting talent above familial relationships. Empress Wu Zetian also had a great impact on the construction of the statue of Longmen Dong and the "Stellar without Words" at the Qianling Mausoleum, as well as the construction of a number of major buildings in China.

In sum, Empress Wu Zetian of Zhou:

• was the only female monarch who ruled from 690 AD and 705 AD in ancient China.
• was the most powerful and prominent lady because of her strength, charm, vindictiveness, ambition, and education
• made significant contributions including empire expansion, social class, religion, education, and literature.
• also had a great influence on the construction of great works such as the statue of Longmen Dong and the "Star without words" at the Qianling Mausoleum.