Empress Wu
Season 1 Episode 3 Airdate January 24, 2024
Episode’s Audio
Summary of Episode
Discover the life of Empress Wu Zetian – the first and ONLY Empress of China. Join us as we explore the Tang Dynasty, touch on some medieval gossip, and discuss the impact Empress Wu had on the lives of the people of her empire.
We’ll unravel the layers of Empress Wu’s reign, scrutinize her policies, acknowledge her achievements, and the enduring legacy she left etched in the scrolls of time. Expanding beyond Empress Wu’s reign, we’ll examine how her story serves as a beacon, challenging and reshaping the perceptions of femininity and power.
Quotes From Show
In 652, Wu gave birth to her first son, and in 653 to her second son. In 654, she had a daughter who unfortunately died shortly after birth. There was allegedly evidence, claims by Wu, and allegedly eyewitnesses that saw Empress Wang near the daughter’s room right before she was found strangled to death.
Tabitha Bear, Episode 3 Empress Wu
Here we are in 655, Wu is 31 and Empress Consort. Empress Wu was quite the political force to behold with heavy influence over the Emperor. And it makes sense, at 31 she already has 17 years experience in the court of the Imperial Palace.
Tabitha Bear, Episode 3 Empress Wu
The dynasty’s golden age was shaped not only by the strokes of calligraphy and the melodies of courtly music, but also by the resilience of a woman who dared to seize the reins of power.
Tabitha Bear, Episode 3 Empress Wu
Transcript
Helpful Resources
Wu: The Chinese Empress Who Schemed, Seduced and Murdered Her Way to Become a Living God
Wu Zhao: Ruler of Tang Dynasty China, Association for Asian Studies
A Note From Us
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