ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Wu Zetian

Wu Zetian was a woman who lived in China many, many years ago. She was born over a thousand years ago in the year 624.

In those days, China was ruled by men, but Wu Zetian was a very special lady. She was smart, and she knew how to get things done.

When Wu Zetian was a young lady, she became a concubine- which is sort of like a wife, but not really. She met the emperor and became his favorite concubine.

But then, when the emperor died, Wu Zetian did something very unusual. She became the ruler of China! This had never happened before - a woman in charge of the whole country!

Wu Zetian was a really good ruler. She made sure that the people were happy and healthy. She started programs to help poor people and made the government fairer for everyone.

Wu Zetian also liked art and music, so she supported artists and musicians in her country too.

Eventually, Wu Zetian got very old and passed away. But she will always be remembered as a very powerful and inspiring woman who proved that anything is possible!