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"Killed her own son for power! Ruthless!" Every sultan ever: kills 12 brothers

Actually modern China considers her as a successful and outstanding leader. Students are taught in history classes that she had made lots of contributions to this country, and all the old and young watch TV shows and movies about her legend. I agree that as a woman, she was underestimated in ancient times, or even now, but we Chinese people never consider her rule as "disaster".😂

*An intelligent woman rises to power* Male Politicians: SHE'S A MONSTER!

Wu ZeTian actually created a new Chinese character 曌for herself. and use it inHer second name WuZhao,which the meaning of 曌 is “like the sun and the moon illuminating the world “. Legendary

Hatshepsut, Cleopatra, Empress Wu, men will always be talking down on women who beat them at their own game and did it better.

Minor correction: it’s Emperor, not Empress. The word Emperor (at least in Chinese) in gender neutral, whereas Empress specifically refers to the female consort of a male emperor.

Yeah the fact that she entered court at 13 and began all of her intrigues at such a young age is pretty icky but you have to admit it's also incredibly impressive. She was still a child and was able to hold powerful men under her thumb.

One thing must be clear. Wu being "badly" painted is due to TWO reasons. One is that she was a woman, the other is that she is family Wu, not family Li. The second is probably the most important reason of her "bad" image. She would have a much brighter image if she took the throne from her father. In China's political theory, changing the bloodline of the imperial house is equivalent to a revolution, dead of a dynasty. Anyone doing so is painted as a traitor, a rebel regardless if he or she is related to the imperial house. For example, Cao cao (155-220AD) (BTW a man) was the prince of Han dynasty (family name Liu) when he forced the emperor to abdicate and became the first emperor of Wei (dynasty). This is the exact same that Wu Zetian did, force the legitimate heir to give way and make herself the emperor of a new dynasty, changing the imperial house. The only difference is that she was a woman. Was the later historians more lenient to Cao the man than Wu the woman? Absolutely not, in fact, Cao remained to be the worst painted politician in Chinese history book, even though everybody acknowledges that he was a very capable ruler and a better choice than the puppet emperor he replaced. Another example is in the 1600s Qing dynasty, Hong Chenchou (a former Ming minister) was instrumental in building Qing dynasty after he switched side. When Qing dynasty was compiling Ming history book, Hong was still alive, he was put into the category of traitors. The Qing emperor at the time said, Hong contribute greatly to Qing, for that he got the reward as aristocrat, but that does not change the fact that he betrayed his emperor (Ming), for that he has to remembered as such, it is to teach a lesson to people in the future. The bottom line is (ancient) principle is principle, it is not and should not be twisted to fit some modern concept, to fit the taste of modern people. People change, we change, but we has no right to judge the past by today's standard.

She did what she had to do to survive. I'm not saying that she's a saint, but historians paint her out to be worse than she actually is.

Everyone in China knows her from history textbooks and TV shows. She is definitely considered one of the great emperors in Chinese history

That woman is what we call a leader, a ruler, a queen, an empress. She did what she had to do. And she did the best she could do within her ability.

Don't you just love how everyone started acting as if past emperors didn't do exactly the same and potentially worse lmao

You must always remember who is telling the story, an enemy or friend.

When you have been sitting in her position,, you probably have no choice but be cruel to anyone that threat the empire..

Wu Zetian never claimed the title, "Emperor." She owned the title, "Emperor." And, she was the one and only ultimate embodiment of the title, "Emperor." There was never an entity like her. And, there will never be an entity like her.

Whether she was a good ruler or not the fact that her reign lasted that long especially in a society where females were at a huge disadvantage shows just how much of clever and capable person she was. To be remembered after all this time whether through benevolence or infamy is also a testament to how much of impact and impression she had left to the world which very few are capable of making. There is little to no doubt that Wu Zetian was not an ordinary person.

One of the most important piece of world history. She had to be a very intelligent, tough and beautiful woman. Unfortunately, it's either kill or be killed in those days, if you want to be the ruler.

As we know, back in the past, being a women meant that it was a person of "weakness", and "no power", women were looked down upon. Therefore I don't think we should blame her, she only did such things to survive. She showed everyone that she was powerful, and held China beneath her, I bet the negative things that had said about her was just lies, made by vicious men, that were jealous of her.

If she was a man, people's views on her leadership wouldn't be nearly as judgmental- these kinds of behavior for ancient china rulers were typical for rulers then.

Male Emperor: Debauched, cruel, cunning, sexist, murders at will - Strong ruler. Female Emperor: Does the same if not less, without the debauchery and sexism - Ruthless monster!!

She was ruthless to her enemies, strict with her officials, and did good things for the people, especially women. If she had been the opposite, she would have been a fatuous ruler, if she had been strict with both the people and her officials, then she would have been a tyrant. But it's the case that she was in most parts, a wise and strong ruler under whom, the empire thrived. And the empire was put through many downturns and oppression after her abdication and subsequent death, because the new administration wanted to reverse the policies that she had implemented. It's obvious that the subsequent male rulers would not look kindly on her, and also proven that the economy of empire was never as good as it was under her reign. Emperors were usually either hated or feared by the citizens, and we didn't live in those days, so we wouldn't know how it felt like, we could only judge with the hindsight of historical evidence on our side- A good emperor is one whose contributions outweighed his misdeeds, and this is true of her.

In the South shes actually not that controversial. We see her as by in large an effective ruler that cared about her citizens.

Yes she was one of the greatest Empress of China at that time, she made China rich and the superpower - Wu Zetian was great leader.

for her rule to last that long, all i can say is she's very clever. we'll never know what really happened during their time and we never can compare because their way of life is different back then.

Wu Zetian ranks very high with other great female rulers from Cleopatra VII to Catherine the Great. This documentary truly reveals her as a strong, intelligent, charismatic and visionary leader who never lost sight on what she owed her country. To me, her achievements overshadow myths and the brutal deeds she had to do to maintain order. Wu was a great empress for China plus role model for those in government today, minus conspiracies and cruelty.

As a young woman 40 years ago I found a history novel about this empress in my grandma's bookcase and I loved her story.

I seriously recommend the book Empress, I read it in seventh grade and fell in love with this complicated and intense woman.

Ancient Chinese history is so interesting; I wished we learned more about it in school.

Those hating on her were men who wanted their women submissive and powerless and Empress Wu was giving them power and voice. Lucky we know better

A little ashamed to show my ignorance but this is the first time I hear about Wu Zetian. What a phenomenal and progressive woman! I can't imagine how strong minded she must have been to lead China into prosperity and power!

She is not an empress, she's a female emperor. There's a massive difference between them two in Chinese royal system. Emperor has the absolute power and legitimacy to rule the country where as empress is the title given to the wife of an emperor. Wu zetian declared herself as an emperor and established her own Zhou Dynasty.

She was defeated in the dragon coup and lived in a separate palace until her death. Thousands of years after her death, writers continued to write poems praising her achievements. To this day, we think of her as a legendary emperor. She is really cruel, perhaps because of her insecurity. Historical records on this aspect of the tang dynasty are very detailed. But on the whole, the evaluation of historians to her is still a wise monarch, who inherited the governance of zhenguan and led the kaiyuan flourishing age.

She sounds like an incredible ruler. Wonder what China would look like today if more people like her had continued her legacy directly the way she wanted it to.

I don't care what anyone says Wu Zetian was one of the best leaders to ever grace this planet.

Ironically, the only emperor without balls literally had done far better than most ones with a pair of useless ones!!!

Regardless of gender, being able to rule ancient China with tens of millions of people, stretching from Pacific Ocean to Central Asia for tens of years, and creating great prosperity, can prove anyone to be among the most capable human beings ever lived.

actually Zetian was not her real name, but the honorable title her son gave to her, after he was forced to usurp by a group of ministers when Wu was already very old and sick. he refused to betray his mother so strongly that the ministers had to 'kidnapped' him to Wu's palace. Seeing them come in Wu asked these minister why they did so to her, as they were all lifted by herself from low level officials to the high and honorable positions. they were too ashamed to answer. after her son became the emperor, she was entitled Zetian Dasheng Emperor. Zetian means 'to rule the heaven'. Dasheng means 'the great saint'. before her death, she herself required to change the title to Zetian Dasheng Empress, so that she could bury herself with her husband as his wife.

To those who want to know more about her, there is a tv series called “The Empress of China”, that depicts her rise to the throne. It’s really well done and you see how bad the “kill or be killed” was.

They said that she had a really good eye for talented officials, benefitting her empire

Wu Zetian was a great empress! I'm ashamed that I didn't know her sooner. Sadly, she was another great woman of history washed away by misogyny and male prejudice. While I certainly disagree with her violent tactics, I also understand that Wu did what she had to do in order to survive and stay in power. Wu Zetian's life is extraordinary! Wu Zetian is just another example why we must always remember the ladies and why we can achieve greatness! 😍😄😄😍

Thank you for enlightening me about this amazing woman. I didn't know she existed! Blown away by the scope of her influence.

This Lady didn't come to play.

I really admire this emperor. She prepared rice graneries for over 10 years

The history of China has always impressed me for its magnificent culture and awesome pagodas !!! Incredible story !!! Loved it !!

Seems to me from this vid that Empreror Wu was one of The Most Influencial People in History. She began the Silk Road? Created an Age of Buddhism? Built complex architecture and temples? Developed 10 year rice storage facilities? Brought peace and prosperity and art to the region? wow

This woman was phenomenal. I honestly think all the evil things they say she did didn’t happen. She was smart and very tactful and successful and they couldn’t handle that a woman was successful in ruling. I really admire this woman. Edit: To whom it may concern: If you don’t like my OPINION please do yourself a favor and just educate me if there something you feel I should know. I am basing my opinion on this documentary and don’t claim to know a woman that died centuries ago. We all here to learn anyway. Don’t come with childish insults and stupidity. I don’t understand why some people just can’t state their opinion without being nasty.

This was fascinating. Thank you for posting

A competent female sovereign who was painted by historians as evil? Nah, that's too unbelievable. 😏

So basically Wu Zetian's historians back in the day: ''but her emails!''😂 Other fun facts: she wrote a Collection of Biographies of Notable Women, a series of Teachings for Gov Officials, added bibliography for the imperial university, aside from also writing poetry. Some also believe she might be the one who pushed printing from a curiosity invention into mass scale, since she started commissioning large quantities of buddhist texts to distribute, 100 thousand copies of a particular text they say, so printing was more practical. The oldest printed book in the world that still survives today is a work commissioned by her and is in a Tokyo Museum.

I truly think that Emperor Wu did what she had to do to stay in power. Remember she was not only trying to be a successful emperor, she had to battle a whole court system who were misogynistic and traditional in thinking. Not only that, her actions trickled down years later and propelled China into the Golden age. Ruthless or not, she had a devotion to the throne and making China a great place. In my eyes, she was a good ruler for her time.

I have to say I watch documentaries often this was one of the best ones that I watched you in awhile thank you for posting.

I am overwhelmed by this revolutionary empress who did dominate the system that enslaved her, but couldn't subjugate her. Very impressive life story, she left behind,like Hapshutsep of Egypt or Rani of Jhansi of India. A true immortal.

A ruthless person clawing their way to power and holding it by playing their rivals off against each other and eliminating those who are most dangerous? Many have done this, many in far worse ways, but have any done more for their Country and People for so long? A remarkable woman who became a ruler few if any have ever equaled. Across the centuries looking back, I think on the balance of Karma, the good she did out weighs the bad, I hope she found peace in the night that follows day.

I swear, china is so rich in history, I can waste away my days learning about remarkable places, people, and culture from china.

That was so refreshing. I loved this!

Just before "Wu Zetian" became an empress, the first queen came out in Korea as well.(Great queen Sundeok of Unified Silla). At that time, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty laughed at Korea because we make woman as a king. But who would have expected his daughter-in-law to become a empress LOL?

Chinese women are strong af...the worlds most powerful pirate was a Chinese woman too

This is my first time watching a documentary of Chinese histroy. I must say She was an amazing ruler, maybe one of the best in the world history ever, fascinating woman!

“In the men’s world, you don’t need a man to lead it..”

I think no Emperor lived at that time can rule a massive country with too much mercy. But this woman was extremely capable/brave to be in that position, that's for sure.

Love to hear about amazing & intelligent women like Wu Zetian leading countries & succeeding! This should let any woman know that you could do anything you aspire to be!

Wow! Fantastic documentary! Thank you Timeline.

One of the most powerful and phenomenal woman in the world. Amazing!

If this story is really true then it's quite impressive. The scale of her tomb and the monuments she constructed shows her power. Brilliant!

What a woman!! She was extraordinary. She was everything a great leader should be. She was shrewd, clever; believed in diplomacy and she realized what few rulers\leaders past or present understand: the general public's favor is what ultimately keeps a leader in power. If the people are happy, they'll want that ruler or government to stay in power, but if the people become unhappy, power becomes unstable; and can be easily lost. As for her cruelty, I don't doubt for one second that she was very cruel and unforgiving, but she had to be. If she would've shown any weakness the men at court (who couldn't stand to see a woman in power because it hurt their egos) would've ate her up and spat her out without batting an eye. And her family would've done the same if given the chance because they wanted to see themselves or their children in power. And I have no doubt that they would've exiled or killed her if she hadn't killed them first. It was a dog eat dog world for a woman at that time and she did what she had to do to survive. Hats off to the empress for trying to improve the status of women, give them rights and economic autonomy.

Wow! Really great to see how Chang Ling was given some attention. When I went there in 2003, there were no trees and the site was in a neglected condition. Even then, the place was very impressive.

Amazing... Thank you for sharing!

This is my first time hearing of Wu Zetian. I enjoyed this documentary, thank you.

Off topic but the “empress of China” tv show based on Wu Zetian was so good on portraying her character. She became ruthless because of her enemies became a threat or were trying to harm her.

Thank You So Much for those who saved these Valuable Ancient Historical & other Texts before they're being burned into ashes by the Extremists over the decades ... 🌷

I love how she empowered the common people and women of her society during that time. You slay Empress! Feminism.

Who else finish watching this documentary? LOve ancient china Am a proud Chinese

that's a magnificent statue of Buddha....such great artistry rivalling even that of the ancient Greek sculptors.

Thanks for posting. Also fantastic to hear actor Rufus Sewell narrating.

When it comes to historical figures, it really depends on what stories you'd want to believe or find entertaining because there are bound to be multiple conflicting stories about their character- none of which can be verified with certainty.

Wu ZeTian 武則天 did wonderful things for China. Previous to her, sons of nobles got to power and she wanted more talented people in government and she introduced civil service examination to identify talented people for official posts. China continued with this until 1911. Men wrote the history of China and they did not like her. But she was very good for China!

Wu Zetian gave name to japan, she ordered Japan ambassador convey the message to his emperor. japan aka Nippon aka Land of the Rising Sun, since Japan is east of China, sun rises in japan before China.

I'm happy that there are people in this world that uncover the truth about real values and heroes. Thanks for sharing!

Also she was the first ruler to have the first female minister and around that time women didn't allow to get education but she made all equal when she got the power. I respect her so much.

She always intrigued me. Thanks for making a documentary to learn more

Not going to lie, the harem of the imperial emperor has always been cutthroat. You gotta do what you gotta do to survive in there. Power is everything then and it still is now.

Amazing documentary. Thank u team for explaining it clearly.

This is one of my all time favorite queen stories... Greatnesss💪🏽💪🏽

This channel deserves alot more praise than it gets. So much great content.

I'm not surprised her rule was demonised and largely obliterated in terms of the good she did. It has happened to many female leaders around the world - Queen Nefertiti (Egypt), Queen Elizabeth 1 (UK), Queen Alexandria (Russia), Livia Augustus (Roma), Cleopatra (Egypt), and probably others we haven't found again yet. Their reigns didn't tie in with the belief that patriarchy has about women's ability to rule. As others have mentioned, Wu Zetian, and the other women mentioned above, would not have had long reigns if those in power around them hadn't been making any gains. Also, these women were dealing with societies that believed they were incapable, so yes, they had to be ruthless too. So, in terms of Wu Zetian's son, maybe he had wanted her assassinated and undo all she had created. Perhaps she only did to him what he had planned for her (I haven't read all about that situation - but to kill your child, you'd have a strong provocation).

She has been maliciously maligned , in her final moment of life she was on horseback ( her favorite personal joy ) , as her horse jumped across a stream her spirit soared leaving her body . May she Rest In Peace 🌹🕊️

Beautiful story, artfully told 👌🏾

When I came to UKposts this evening, I had no idea I'd be watching this documentary but I'm so glad it was recommended for me. What a fascinating story of an even more fascinating woman!

Is it just me or the English academics featured in this documentary seems rather passionate on this subject itself.

What an incredible woman in history! Thank you for this documentary!

I enjoy watching these documentaries.

Entire Documentary: Prooves she was a just and fair ruler who cared for her people and led her country into an age of prosperity and enlightenment, who posed a major threat to the patriarchy which thus did everything in it's power to slander her name and destroy all positive memory of her legacy through lies and destruction of historical records, including fabrications to paint her in a bad light. Everyone: BUT SHE MURDERED HER FAMILY!!! SO SHE WAS STILL EVIL!!!! I'm just saying >.> read back the first part if you're confused. Also; the confession of "I have committed sins" isn't really the equivalent to saying "I committed the murder of my own innocent family members" like they seem to be suggesting. They're kinda taking a big leap there.

She may have done some very horrifying things, but you can’t deny that she was a good ruler and at least didn’t ruin the economy

Amazing documentry. Subbed. Cant wait to watch more!

What a fabulous woman! It’s so ridiculous to carry on about the so called terribly cruel things she did, when male ruler’s did all that and more without people even noticing! This woman was obviously incredibly intelligent, determined, self controlled, ambitious, and both well spoken and well read! I believe the world would have been a better place if we had had more ruler’s like her, instead of some of the greedy, self serving and frankly stupid men that ruled!

Here is an interesting fact. The earliest official Tang history material “Tang Huiyao”and “old Book of Tang”( both completed in the 10th century) , describes Wu Zetian positively and there is no clear records of her killing any of her child. But then, starts from the 11th century historians begin to vividly describe her as cruel ruler and evil murderer of her four Children. One historian even narrates her facial expression while she murdering her daughter as if he had a time machine. Nowadays most TV SHOWs and FILMs are also doing so. History is not do her and her husband (who are often pictured as timid and weak-willed) justices. In fact, these two are great rulers in history (though not saint). They took down old nobility power Bazhuguo and promoted national exam system that allowed people who are not born from noble family have a political pass throw education. During his and then her reign, China established a society that is prosper, strong in military and culturally extreme open in the 7th century.

this is a chinese drama called the empress of china that is based on this event highly recommends ps sorry for my english

even if she was a dictator, she did what almost every emperor before and after her did to get into the throne and keep it as long as they could.

They are calling her evil for killing people including her son for power when in fact most of the emperors that had reign killed their own brothers or father for power. Wow women are so intimidating indeed.