[Wu] Zhou dynasty (武周) (mar 1, 690 – mar 1, 705)

Description:

The Wu Zhou (Chinese: 武周), known officially as Zhou (Chinese: 周), also called the Southern Zhou dynasty (Chinese: 南周), Second Zhou dynasty or Restored Zhou dynasty, was a Chinese dynasty that existed between 690 and 705 AD, when Wu Zetian ruled as Empress Regnant. The dynasty began when Wu Zhao, which was Wu Zetian's personal name, usurped the throne of her son, the Emperor Ruizong of Tang, and lasted until Emperor Zhongzong of Tang was restored to the throne. Historians generally view the Wu Zhou as an interregnum of the Tang dynasty.

The sole ruler of Wu Zhou was Wu Zetian. She took the name "Wu Zhao" upon her coronation. Wu named her dynasty after the ancient Zhou dynasty, from whom she believed herself to be descended.