• Home
  • Emperors
  • Inventions
  • Dynasties
  • Provinces
  • Food and Tea
  • Best Chinese History Books
  • About >>
    • About
    • Contact

Learn Chinese History

Where the Middle Kingdom comes alive

Home » Emperors » Tang Dynasty Emperor Zhongzong

Tang Dynasty Emperor Zhongzong

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I MAY GET A SMALL COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHSE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.

Article by Heather

tang dynasty emperor zhongzong

Quick Facts about Emperor Zhongzong

  • Emperor Zhongzong was born in 656 CE.
  • His name at birth was Li Zhe.
  • He was a son of the Tang dynasty emperor, Gaozong.
  • His mother was Emperor Gaozong’s second wife, Empress Wu Zetian.
  • After his father died in 683 CE, Li Zhe became the fourth emperor of the Tang dynasty.
  • Zhongzong means “Moderate Ancestor”.

Emperor Zhongzong’s Two Reigns

Emperor Zhongzong held two reigns in the Tang dynasty. The first was for six weeks in 684 CE and the second from 705 – 710 CE. His wife, Empress Wei, dominated his first reign. She appointed family members to high official posts.

Emperor Zhongzong’s mother, dowager empress, Wu Zetian, charged him with treason and had him removed as emperor. Zhongzong went into seclusion for the next twenty-one years. His brother, Emperor Ruizong, and his mother, dowager empress, Wu Zetian, ruled China.

Take the Free Quiz to Find Out When You'll Be a Millionaire

In 705 CE, Empress Wu Zetian abdicated the throne and Emperor Zhongzong resumed his rule over China.

His wife, Empress Wei continued to impart her influence on Zhongzong’s government. She presided over government and court matters, gave members of her family government posts, seized land, and bought and sold children as slaves.

Buddhism continued to hold its place at court, but under Emperor Zhongzong’s reign, becoming a monk was not self-sacrifice but rather a position to be bought. If you wanted to become a monk, it cost a payment of 30,000 cash. If you wanted a position at court, it was no longer your scholarship that got you there, but rather, 300,000 cash.

Emperor Zhongzong’s Family and Death

Emperor Zhongzong’s wife was Empress Wei. He had at least four children.

Emperor Zhongzong died in 710 CE from possible poisoning by his wife.

His brother, Emperor Ruizong, succeeded him (twice) as the emperor of the Tang dynasty.

His tomb is in Dingling, Fuping county, Shaanxi.

You might also like:

  • History of Chinese Emperors – Names, Dynasties and ReignsHistory of Chinese Emperors – Names, Dynasties…
  • Qi Dynasty Emperors Gaodi, Wudi, Mingdi, Dong Hunhou, HediQi Dynasty Emperors Gaodi, Wudi, Mingdi, Dong Hunhou, Hedi
  • Chen Dynasty EmperorsChen Dynasty Emperors
  • Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang DyastyEmpress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dyasty

Welcome!

LearnChineseHistory.com is a collection of articles on Chinese history and culture. When readers choose to purchase items through my links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. It helps me pay for my web hosting. Thank you for your support!

Favorite Articles

  • History of the Chinese Compass
  • About Empress Wu Zetian
  • Emperor Wudi - Han Dynasty
  • Qin Dynasty History and Achievements
  • Chinese Province Meanings

Menu

  • Home
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Categories

  • Dynasties
  • Emperors
  • Food and Tea
  • Inventions
  • Provinces

Don’t Miss These…

  • • History of Chinese Fireworks
  • • Later Jin Dynasty: History & Facts
  • • Qin Dynasty Emperor Qin Shihuangdi
  • • Guangdong Pronvince: Facts, Culture & History
  • • Did the Ancient Chinese Invent the Abacus

Affiliate Disclosure

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you choose to make a purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. It helps pay for my web hosting and supports my work. All attempts are made to present the most correct information, but it may not be appropriate for your specific circumstance and information may become outdated.

Paid Endorsement Disclosure

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I will never endorse any product or service that I do not fully support.

Amazon Disclosure

AMAZON DISCLOSURE: LearnChineseHistory.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, amazon.ca, amazon.fr, amazon.de, amazon.co.uk, and amazon.it. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Full Disclosure and Privacy Policy

©2012-2023 All Rights Reserved.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express written permission from this site's owner is strictly prohibited.