In Chapter 16, you learned about the Tang dynasty (618-907). Under the Tang, a unified China enjoyed 300 years of wealth and stability.

Empress Wu Chao ruled China during part of the Tang dynasty. She was the first woman to rule as emperor in China. She made many contributions to the Tang dynasty. She was also known for her ruthless political tactics.

Below is a biography of Empress Wu Chao. As you read, think about this question: Which do you think mattered more, her tactics or her contributions? Why?

Wu Chao was born in 625. She was the daughter of a Chinese general. When she was just 13, the emperor noticed her and brought her to court as his concubine. Although concubines were not wives, they had a recognized social status in a household. Wu Chao was the emperor's concubine for 11 years, until his death. At that time, following Chinese custom, she retired to a convent.

She did not stay in the convent for long. The next emperor immediately brought her back to court as his concubine. But Wu Chao was not satisfied being a concubine any more. She wanted to be empress. So she began plotting ways to get rid of her chief rival, the emperor's wife.

There are many stories about how ruthless Wu Chao was in her quest for power. There is even a story that Wu Chao strangled her own daughter and then accused the empress of killing her. Whether or not this story is true, Wu Chao succeeded in getting rid of the emperor's wife. In 655, she became empress herself.

The sickly emperor allowed Wu Chao great power as empress. She continued her practice of getting rid of anyone who stood in her way. Even family members were exiled and executed. But she also made some important contributions. Under her rule, China was a united and prosperous empire.

During much of the Tang dynasty, including Wu Chao's rule, China welcomed contact with foreigners. This brought new ideas and religions, like Buddhism, into China. Traders brought new goods and fashions. Upper-class Chinese began to sit on chairs instead of on the floor. They drank from goblets made of glass, a new material to the Chinese. Chinese music was greatly influenced by melodies and instruments from other parts of Asia.

One of Wu Chao's most important contributions was the change she made in the government. During her rule, the government changed from being dominated by a military aristocracy to a more scholarly bureaucracy. A bureaucracy is structured like a pyramid, with a few people at the top and many people at the bottom. At each level, people direct those who are below them.

After the emperor died, Wu Chao sent her oldest son into exile. She continued to rule with a weaker, younger son. She was 80 years old when she finally brought her first son back as emperor and retired.

Investigating Biographies

Using the biography of Wu Chao, create a "Wanted" poster describing her "crimes." Also create a commemorative plaque praising her accomplishments.

History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond, Investigating Biographies