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Wu Zetian's Founding of the Zhou Dynasty and Proclamation as Emperor

Type Event Region China Time 690

In 690, Wu Zetian abolished the Tang state name, established Wu Zhou, and proclaimed herself Sacred and Divine Emperor, becoming the only woman in Ch…

Timeline

  1. 690Luoyang · HenanIn September, Wu Zetian changed the era name to Tianshou, held an abdication ceremony south of the Luo River, changed the state name to Zhou, proclaimed herself Sacred and Divine Emperor, made Luoyang the Divine Capital, and formally ended the Tang state name.
  2. 690Luoyang · HenanAfter proclaiming herself emperor, she reformed the official system, broadly opened special examinations, reconstructed ritual systems and era names based on the Rites of Zhou, and enfeoffed imperial clansmen and meritorious officials, attempting to consolidate personal imperial power through the legitimacy of a new dynasty.

Sources