Empress Wu Zetian (Empress Consort Wu, Wu Hou, Wu Mei Niang, Mei-Niang, and Wu Zhao, l. 624-705 CE, r. 690-704 CE) was the only female emperor of Imperial China. She reigned during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) and was one of the most effective and controversial monarchs in China's history.
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Timeline
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624 - 705Life of Wu Zhao, Empress Wu Zetian of China.
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c. 638Wu Zhao becomes concubine of Emperor Taizong.
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c. 649Wu Zhao becomes First Concubine of Emperor Gaozong.
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652 - 653Wu Zhao gives birth to sons, angers Gaozong's wife.
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654Wu Zhao gives birth to daughter who is murdered; Gaozong's wife found guilty.
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660Wu Zhao is power behind throne, institutes secret police.
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666Wu Zhao leads women to Mount Tai, officiates at religious ceremony.
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683Wu Zhao takes power when Gaozong dies.
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683 - 690Wu Zhao tries to rule through her sons.
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690 - 704Reign of Empress Wu Zetian in China.
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690Wu Zhao proclaims herself Empress Wu Zetian, ruling under her own authority.
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697Wu Zetian begins to lose power over court and country.
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704Wu Zetian forced to abdicate in favor of her son Zhongzong.
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705Death of Wu Zetian, only female emperor of China.
