Empress Wu Zetian (634 - 705)

Empress Wu Zetian was China’s first and only female ruler

She was de facto ruler of the Tang dynasty from 665-705, ruling first through others as empress consort for her husband Emperor Gaozong and then their sons Emperors Zhongzong and Ruizong ,and then (from 690) as empress dowager in her own right.

Under her 40 year reign China grew larger, becoming one of the great powers of the world, its culture and economy were revitalized and corruption in the court was reduced. She was removed from power in a coup and died a few months later.

As a 14 year old the bright and beautiful Wu Zetian was noticed by Emperor Taizong and became his concubine…She soon had considerable political power

After his death she married his ninth son and successor, Emperor Gaozong. After their wedding In 655 she became the empress consort- the highest ranking of the wives. She was a strong,charismatic , vengeful, ambitious and well-educated women who enjoyed the absolute affection of her husband.

In 660 Gaozong suffered a stroke and in 665 she became administrator of the court a position equal to the emperors. (He died in 683)

She was at the helm of the country for long years, her power is no different from that of the emperor.

Sources Wikipedia
Herstory by Katherine Halligan