Empress Wu Zetian ascends to the throne of the Tang dynasty and proclaims herself ruler of the Chinese Empire.

Wu Zetian

Sole empress regnant of China (r. 690–705)

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.…