Empress Xiao Chuo’s story proves that there is an extraordinary woman behind a great man. Empress Xiao Chuo’s son, Emperor Shengzong, was one of the Liao Dynasty’s greatest rulers. However, it was his mother who paved the way to his greatness. Empress Xiao Chuo would make many reforms that greatly benefitted her country and her [read more]
Empress Xuanmu Huiwen has often been portrayed in a negative light. She has been known to bring about the downfall of her rival and former sister-in-law, Empress Yeli. She was the favourite of Li Yuanhao, the founder of the Western Xia dynasty. She ruled as regent for her one-year-old son, Emperor Yizong. Yet, her greatest [read more]
In the early days of the Liao Dynasty, there was a custom that when a husband died, his widow must be buried alive with her late husband at his funeral. However, one widow did not want to sacrifice herself. To keep herself alive, she cut off her right hand as a substitute for her death. [read more]
Salome was one of the Bible’s most notorious femmes fatale and has often been depicted as luring men to their deaths.[1] Her infamous seductive dance for her stepfather, Herod Antipas, led to the death of John the Baptist. Yet, did Salome deserve her vile reputation? The Salome in historical accounts is very different from the Salome [read more]
Lady Huarui (also known as Madame Huarui and Consort Xu) was one of China’s most beautiful women.[1] Yet, it is sometimes said that beauty is a curse rather than a blessing. [2] Unfortunately, this phrase happened to be true for Lady Huarui. Because of her beauty, Lady Huarui was loved by two Emperors. However, her [read more]
Empress Liu’s story has often been seen as a morality tale. She has been known as a villainous empress who deserved her just deserts when she was forced to commit suicide. She disowned and had her own father flogged, deserted her husband in his final moments, and caused her son’s death. It was not until [read more]
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