Zhongzong
Quick Summary
Zhongzong, born Li Xian, was an emperor of the Tang dynasty in China. He reigned twice, first briefly in 684 and again from 705 to 710. His early reign was cut short when his mother, Empress Wu Zetian, deposed him due to signs of independence.12
During his second reign, following Wu Zetian's abdication, Zhongzong's wife, Empress Wei, exerted significant influence, leading to corruption and the open sale of offices. After Zhongzong's death in 710, likely due to poisoning by his wife, Empress Wei attempted to seize power herself. However, she was ultimately unsuccessful, and the Tang dynasty was restored.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- Ruizong
…made Wuhou’s heir, his brother Zhongzong, under the domination of a clique of court officials, succeeded to the throne in 705, after a palace coup overthrew the empress. A further coup led by Ruizong’s son put Ruizong back on the throne in 710. He ruled for two years before abdicating…
Read More…made Wuhou’s heir, his brother Zhongzong, under the domination of a clique of court officials, succeeded to the throne in 705, after a palace coup overthrew the empress. A further coup led by Ruizong’s son put Ruizong back on the throne in 710. He ruled for two years before abdicating…
Read More
Wuhou…(by Wuhou), known as the Zhongzong emperor. The new emperor had been married to a woman of the Wei family, who now sought to put herself in the same position of authority as that of Wuhou, for Zhongzong was as weak and incompetent as his father. After one month Wuhou…
Read More…(by Wuhou), known as the Zhongzong emperor. The new emperor had been married to a woman of the Wei family, who now sought to put herself in the same position of authority as that of Wuhou, for Zhongzong was as weak and incompetent as his father. After one month Wuhou…
Read More
