Wuhou, Wade-Giles romanization Wu-hou, original name Wu Zhao, also called Wu Zetian, (born 624 ce, Wenshui [now in Shanxi province], China—died December 16, 705, Luoyang), posthumous name (shi) of the woman who rose from concubinage to become empress of China during the Tang dynasty (618–907).

What dynasty did Empress Wu rule?

Wuhou, Wade-Giles romanization Wu-hou, original name Wu Zhao, also called Wu Zetian, (born 624 ce, Wenshui [now in Shanxi province], China—died December 16, 705, Luoyang), posthumous name (shi) of the woman who rose from concubinage to become empress of China during the Tang dynasty (618–907).

When did Empress Wu start ruling?

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.