 | Emperor Wu Zhao and Her Pantheon of Devis, Divinities, and Dynastic Mothers Subjects: Religion and politics -- China -- History; Wu hou Empress of China 624-705; Goddesses Chinese -- History; Ancestor worship -- China -- History; Buddhism and state -- China -- History; Wu Zhao (624-705), better known as Wu Zetian or Empress Wu, is the only woman to have ruled China as emperor. How did she ascend the dragon throne? This multifaceted history suggests that China's rich pantheon of female divinities and eminent women played an integral part in the construction of Wu Zhao's sovereignty. N. Harry Rothschild is professor of Asian history at the University of North Florida. He specializes in Tang history and the study of women and gender in China and East Asia. He is also the author of Wu Zhao, China's Only Female Emperor . |
