Wu Discovered Printing?

The information systems available during Wu Zetian’s time were, unsurprisingly, far less outstanding and wide reaching than what we have today. Information was mainly spread using the spoken and the written word (Tang Dynasty, 2017). Therefore, the ways in which Wu Zetian could rise to power and popularity through the use of information were severely …

Wuthlessness: How Wu Dealt With Her Enemies

(A mural from the tomb on princess Yong Tai, one of many enemies Wu had poisoned (UNESCO, 1979)) At this point, I assume you all would have been able to predict the title for this one. Of course, Wu did not acquire the reputation she has for cruelty without reason, and Wu was more than …

Zetianationalization: Wu’s Foreign Policy

(An example of a Phoenix Crown, a piece constructed with rare jewels from across all of Asia and beyond (The Vintage News, 2016)) The Tang dynasty was characterized by developments in external commerce, agriculture and transportation (Knowledgia, 2019). Wu recognized the importance of international trade and laid the foundations for these great developments during her …

Wuting for the People: The Societal Reforms of Wu Zetian

(Shangguan Wan’er, promoted to prime minister during Wu’s reign (Women of History, 2013)) We have already discussed how Wu Zetian funded various religious projects to improve public perception of her rule (see here), but this tactic did not stop with religion. Throughout Wu’s reign, she used social reforms as a tactic to not only improve …

Wupotheosis: Wu’s Use of Religion as a Leader in China

(The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, constructed during Wu’s reign (China Discovery, n.d.)) Wu’s time as a Buddhist nun after the death of Emperor Taizong must have really made an impact, because as Wu rose to power, she pushed hard to promote Buddhism to the state religion of China. Of course, we wouldn’t be mentioning this …

A Subtle Hand: Wu’s use of Subterfuge as a Tactic

(Maybe this is what Wu’s meeting with Gauzong looked like. (Ancient Origins, 2019)) Wu Zetian was a woman (shocker), but in 7th century China it was difficult for women to acquire power. The Shangshu, or Book of Documents, the foundation of Chinese political philosophy throughout history, outright opposes women holding power in ancient China (McMahon, …