Wu Zetian was a Chinese historical figure who, at different stages of her life, served as a concubine, empress consort, empress dowager, and empress regent. She was the only woman in the history of China to have called herself “Huangdi,” a title traditionally used by Chinese emperors since the time of Qin Shi Huang. Alternatively known as Wu Zhao, Wu Hou, and Tian Hou, she is also referred to in English as Empress Consort Wu or by the outdated term "Empress Wu." She established the short-lived Zhou Dynasty during her reign. Wu Zetian was raised in an affluent family and dedicated herself entirely to her education. At the age of 14, she became an imperial concubine of Emperor Taizong of Tang, and after his death, she became the concubine and eventually the wife of his son, Emperor Gaozong of Tang. She wielded considerable power in the palace and within the Tang administration. Following her husband’s debilitating stroke in 660, she assumed the role of court administrator, effectively becoming the sovereign of the empire. After the death of her husband, Wu Zetian continued to hold power until 705 and was regarded as a competent ruler. While she has been criticized for her brutality in ascending to power and for her tyrannical hold on it afterward, she was also known for her kindness to her people, ushering in several economic, social, cultural, and political changes. Wu Zetian passed away in 705, and subsequently, the Tang Dynasty was restored by her son and successor, Emperor Zhongzong of Tang.