Emperor Wu: Did you mean...?

A 13th century CE illustration showing Byzantine emperor Michael III (r. 842-867 CE) crowning his great friend and political ally Basil the Macedonian co-emperor. The latter would take the crown himself in 867 CE as Basil I. (Madrid Sklitzes...

Portrait of Emperor Leopold I as a young man, wearing the Order of the Golden Fleece, oil on canvas by Benjamin Block, 1631-1689. Private collection. This portrait of the young monarch is rare as it depicts Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor...

A portrait of Emperor Guangxu (r. 1875-1908), the 10th emperor of the Chinese Qing dynasty.

The Hongwu Emperor, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644 CE) who reigned from 1368 to 1398 CE. 14th century CE painted silk hanging.

Insei or 'cloistered government' describes the strategy of emperors during the late Heian Period (794-1185 CE) in ancient Japan where they abdicated in favour of a chosen heir yet still ruled in some capacity, typically after retiring to...

Admiral Zheng He (aka Cheng Ho, c. 1371-1433 CE) was a Chinese Muslim eunuch explorer who was sent by the Ming dynasty emperor Yongle (r. 1403-1424 CE) on seven diplomatic missions to increase trade and secure tribute from foreign powers...

Eunuchs were powerful political players in ancient Chinese government. Originating as trusted slaves in the royal household they were ambitious to use their favoured position to gain political power. Advising the emperor from within the palace...

A portrait of Liu Bang who became the Chinese emperor Gao of the Han (Gaozu). Victor in the famous battle of Gaixia in 202 BCE, he founded the Han dynasty which would rule China from 202 BCE to 220 CE.

A 1st century CE marble bust of Roman Emperor Domitian, r. 81-96 CE. (Musée de Louvre, Paris).

Emperor Xuanzong (r. 712-756 CE) of the Tang Dynasty.