To fans of the epic TV series: Game of Thrones, the name “Queen Cersei Lannister” must ring a bell.
However, no matter how evil Queen Cersei Lannister was, one thing was certain about her: she loved her children dearly and she would go to any length to protect them.
Well, the same can’t be said of Empress Wu Zetian of China: she went to any length to preserve her dominion, even if it meant sacrificing her own children.
Wu Zetian was born on 17th February, 624 A.D
In her early years, she was a concubine to the holy Emperor Taizong.
When the emperor died, Wu Zetian quickly seduced the Emperor’s son, Emperor Gaozong, and quickly became a notable figure in his royal court.
Soon, the young Emperor came to rely completely on her. Key Government decisions were made by Wu.
In fact, she had access to the royal seal of the emperor and this meant that she could make decisions without even consulting the Emperor.
It was even said that the Emperor’s official wife became close friends with Wu Zetian and she was not bothered to see Wu Zetian as a competitor for her husband.
Soon, Wu Zetian became pregnant for the emperor and put to bed.
The Queen came to see the baby and moments after she left, historians state that Wu Zetian picked up the baby- her own baby and smashed it on the wall.
The Queen’s visit to Wu Zetian was public knowledge so, she immediately became the prime suspect for the murder of the baby.
The queen was soon banished and Wu Zetian moved in to replace her in the royal court.
Many years after the death of Emperor Gaozong, Wu Zetian officially ascended the throne of China, proclaimed herself a direct descendant of Buddha and the Holy and Divine Emperor of China.
She reigned for several years until she was forced to abdicate in 683 A.D.
She died on 16th December 705.
CONTROVERSY:
A lot of historians dispute the claims that Wu Zetian killed her own child.
It is widely suggested that the rumors must have surfaced because she was a woman.
However, one thing is certain: She remains the only woman to ever rule China.
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