Wu Zetian, Chinese empress consort (died 705)

Wu Zetian, personal name Wu Zhao, was empress of China from 660 to 705, ruling first through others and later in her own right. She ruled as empress through her husband Emperor Gaozong and later as empress dowager through her sons Emperors Zhongzong and Ruizong, from 660 to 690. She subsequently founded and ruled as empress regnant of the (Wu) Zhou dynasty from 16 October 690 to 21 February 705. She was the only female sovereign in the history of China who is widely regarded as legitimate. During her 45-year reign, China grew larger, its culture and economy were revitalized, and corruption in the court was reduced. She was eventually removed from power during a coup and died a few months later.