New Delhi: In case you are wondering why are we talking about Wu Zetian, it is because she was the only female emperor in the history of China and that makes the feat pretty immense. Wu ruled both as a regent and later as a standalone force. Overall, she ruled from 660 to 705 and was the only female sovereign in China’s history whose reign was deemed legitimate during her time. During her long reign, China became one of the foremost power and she revitalised the country’s culture and economy and reduced corruption.
The rise from the position of a concubine
Born on February 17, 624, Wu Zetian was Emperor Taizong’s concubine in early life and married his successor, Emperor Gaozong after Taizong passed away. Wu was politically powerful and the marriage greatly enhanced it. As the empress consort, she began to control the court and became the count’s administrator after Gaozong’s debilitating stroke in 660, a position that was equal to that of the emperor until 683.
Becoming the Empress of China
Wu Zetian married Gaozong in 655 and swiftly increased her power. She was a strong, well-educated, charismatic, and ambitious person who was the favourite wife of her husband and became the most powerful and influential woman in the court. She was more proactive and decisive than Gaozong, and she was the real power behind the throne for more than 20 years until he passed away. From November 660, she had partial control of power and totally from January 665.
After Gaozong died in 683, Wu, unlike other women, broke with barriers and took control of complete power, and even did not allow her sons to rule. In 690, she became the empress of China by organising a ceremony to formally crown herself as China’s emperor. Wu was one of China’s greatest rulers who was a strong leader with effective governance. China became a powerful country and the boundaries of the empire were extended. Her rise to power changed the social structure of the country and she supported Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, education and literature. She also played a key role in making the selection of government officials based on merit rather than nepotism.
How rich was Wu Zetian?
During the reign of Empress Wu, China accounted for around 23 per cent of global GDP. According to historians, Empress Wu’s wealth at around $16 trillion, a staggering sum that is even more than the fortunes of modern magnates. The net worth infact makes her the richest woman of all time! As it turns out, she was one of the greatest rulers China ever had whose reign transformed the country and made it one of the powerhouses in the world.
During the reign of Empress Wu, China accounted for around 23 per cent of global GDP. According to historians, Empress Wu’s wealth at around $16 trillion, a staggering sum. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
