China’s Queen Elizabeth | Wu Zetian | Empress | Patriarchy | Gender rules | Tang Dynasty

Wu Zetian is one of the most controversial figures in Chinese history. To some, she defied the natural order—marrying two emperors, crossing the boundaries of gender, and claiming the throne for herself. They see her as dangerously ambitious, accused of eliminating rivals, even her own children, to secure her place at the top. And yet, many see her as a symbol of female power—a woman who challenged the system and inspired generations that followed. So Who was Wu Zetian, really? What kind of world shaped her rise? And how did she, in turn, reshape it? In Part One of this two-part series, we explore Wu Zetian’s early life, her dramatic rise in the Tang court, and the political intrigues that shaped her path to becoming Empress of Emperor Gaozong of Tang. 00:00 Introduction 01:24 Wu's family 04:41 Wu's early life in the palace 08:17 Wu's return to the palace 14:48 Wu's rise to the empress 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you won’t miss Part Two, where we follow Wu Zetian’s journey from empress to emperor.