Tang Dynasty Archives - History of Royal Women

Empress Zhang as portrayed by Liu Liwei in the 2017 Chinese television series, The Glory of Tang Dynasty.

Empress Zhang – The evil Empress of Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty

Saturday, 11 July 2026, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Zhang has often been seen as one of China’s most evil empresses.[1] She was the empress consort of Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty (r. 756-762). She was originally his imperial consort when Emperor Suzong was the Crown Prince.[2] During the An Lushan Rebellion, Empress Zhang was very devoted to him.[3] Because of her devotion, [read more]

Empress Taimu – The matriarch of the Tang Dynasty

Wednesday, 24 June 2026, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Taimu was one of the most respected empresses of the Tang Dynasty.[1] She was the wife of the first Tang emperor, Emperor Gaozu of Tang. She did not live to see Emperor Gaozu ascend the throne. However, Empress Taimu was said to be very intelligent.[2] She helped establish relationships between the Northern Zhou Dynasty and the [read more]

Empress Wang of the Tang Dynasty – Emperor Xuanzong’s childless deposed Empress

Saturday, 20 June 2026, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

(Not to be confused with Empress Wang – Emperor Goazong’s First Empress) Empress Wang was the first empress of Emperor Xuanzong. She married him when he was the Prince of Linzhi. However, Empress Wang’s reign as empress was very uneasy.[1] She was childless and could not give Emperor Xuanzong a son.[2] Empress Wang’s barrenness would ultimately lead [read more]

Empress Yuanxian as portrayed by Liu Tingyu in the 2003 Chinese drama, Women of the Tang Dynasty

Empress Yuanxian – Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty’s mother who almost had an abortion

Monday, 15 June 2026, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Yuanxian was the mother of Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty. She was an imperial consort of Emperor Xuanzong. When Empress Yuanxian became pregnant, Emperor Xuanzong wanted her to have an abortion.[1] However, he changed his mind.[2] Because he did not go through with the abortion, Empress Yuanxian gave birth to a son who would [read more]

Empress Hesi – Emperor Zhongzong’s first wife who was starved to death by Empress Wu of the Zhou Dynasty

Saturday, 25 April 2026, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Hesi was one of Tang Dynasty’s most mysterious and tragic empresses.[1] She was the first wife of Emperor Zhongzong before he became crown prince.[2] However, Empress Wu Zetian was jealous of her mother and took her displeasure out on Empress Hesi.[3] Empress Hesi was brutally murdered by Empress Wu Zetian.[4] Empress Hesi was eventually made a [read more]

Empress Zhaocheng – The mother of Emperor Xuanzong who was murdered by Empress Wu Zetian of the Zhou Dynasty

Thursday, 23 April 2026, 6:00 Lauralee Swann 0

Empress Zhaocheng was one of Tang Dynasty’s most mysterious and tragic empresses.[1] She was originally an imperial consort to Emperor Ruizong. She was the mother of Emperor Xuanzong. However, she was falsely accused of witchcraft.[2] She was murdered by Empress Wu, and her body was never found.[3] However, Emperor Ruizong and Emperor Xuanzong tried to make up for [read more]