ABSTRACT
Wu Zetian (625-705 a .d .), China’s only female emperor, was bom in Wenshui, Bingzhou (modern-day Shanxi province). Also known as Wu Hou or Wu Chao, she held the reigns of power for half a century. Her father, Wu Shixun, was a political ally and lifelong friend of the founder of the Tang dynasty, Li Yuan. A wealthy merchant, he aided Li Yuan and the new dynasty and became the minister of labor. Her mother was Madam Yang. The name “ Zetian the Great Sage Emperor” was a name and title of respect accorded to her after her death by her third son, Li Xian, who ruled after her as the Tang Emperor Zhongzong.
