DeepSummary
The episode covers the life and reign of Wu Zetian, who was the only female emperor in the long history of China. She maneuvered her way into power over many years through a combination of beauty, intelligence, cunning, and ruthlessness. Starting as a low-ranking concubine, she impressed the emperor with her knowledge and eventually became his wife and co-ruler.
As her power grew, Wu Zetian eliminated rivals and potential threats to consolidate her position. She accused opponents of crimes like murder and witchcraft to have them exiled or executed. She may have even poisoned her own sons to clear the way for successors loyal to her. In 690, she forced her son to abdicate and assumed the throne herself as the sovereign ruler of China.
Wu Zetian instituted many reforms and policies during her 15-year reign as sole ruler, such as allowing citizens of any class to take imperial exams, changing the taxation system, elevating Buddhism as the state religion, and promoting agriculture. While ruthless in securing power, she is still considered one of China's greatest rulers for her capable administration.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Wu Zetian was the only woman to ever rule China as emperor through her intelligence, cunning and ruthless elimination of rivals
- She instituted many important political reforms during her 15-year reign despite her controversial rise to power
- Wu Zetian overcame strict cultural barriers against female rulers through sheer ambition and maneuvering
- Her story reflects both the positives of her capable administration and the negatives of the brutal tactics used to secure power
- She is considered one of China's greatest rulers despite the intrigue and suspected murders involved in her ascent
- Wu Zetian changed her name/title at multiple points reflecting her increasing consolidation of authority
- She promoted Buddhism as the state religion and opened civil service exams to all classes during her reign
- Her long co-regency and de facto rule presaged her final formal assumption of the throne
Top Episodes Quotes
- “How do you know that? It is not my fortune to meet the son of heaven.“ by Wu Zetian
- “While the story of Wu Zetien involved a lot of palace intrigue, her rule resulted in many significant policy changes for China.“ by Gary Arndt
- “She managed to achieve all of this, which no woman has been able to do before or since in China through a unique combination of beauty, intelligence, cunning and ruthlessness.“ by Gary Arndt
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Episode Information
Everything Everywhere Daily
Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media
6/14/24