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Jan 1, 623
Wu Zhao was born
Wu Zhao was born in 623. She was born into a noble family and her father Wu Shihuo was a very rich man. She got educated in politics, music, and history because she refused to do the activities the women were supposed to do such as sewing. (Wu Zhao Biography: Empress Wu Zetian of Zhou Dynasty (624-705) 1). -
Jan 1, 627
Battle of Nineveh
This battle occured in 627. It was part of the Byzantine-Sassanid War in 602 to 628. It was a war fought over the murder of the Byzantine Emperor (to avenge him). The Byzantines won at this battle because they pretended to leave but then turned around and surprised the Persians. Their victory at this battle was significant because it influenced the outcome of the war. (Byzantine Battles 1). -
Jan 1, 632
Muhammad dies
When Muhammad died in 632, his close friend Abu Bakr became the first of four rightly guided caliphs. Those were rulers who followed Muhammad's example and their holy book, the Koran. Abu Bakr ruled until 634 when he too died. His rule was followed by Umar, Uthman, and Ali. (Islam after Muhammad's Death 1). -
Jan 1, 641
Cairo, Egypt is founded
In 641, Fustat was the first city in Egypt founded as a military encampment for Arabic soldiers. It was later present day Cairo, the capital. Cairo is currently a popular center of commerce or trade, a culture highlight of the country, and a major tourist attraction. (Cairo 1). -
Jan 1, 650
The art of weaving develops
In 650 the art of weaving develops in Eurasia. This allows the women in particular to make baskets, blankets, and other articles of clothing. (Grun 61). -
Jan 1, 650
Wu Zhao becomes Gaozong's concubine
Gaozong liked her so he rescued her from being a nun. She became his second ranking concubine. This led to her becoming Empress because she didn't have many higher than her to overthrow. (Ancient Worlds Staff 1). -
Jan 1, 652
Wu Zhao and Gaozong have sons
In 652 she gives birth the the first son, and the second a year later. Having sons ensures them that their family will stay in power for the dynasty. When her son becomes the crown prince, it enables her to rule through him. (Wu Zhao Biography: Empress Wu Zetian of Zhou Dynasty (624-705) 1). -
Jan 1, 654
Wu Zhao and Gaozong have a daughter
In 654 Wu Zhao gives birth to a daughter that she soon kills in order to get rid of her enemies: another concubine and the Empress Wang. Once they are taken care of Wu Zhao becomes the Empress in replacement of Wang. (Wu Zhao Biography: Empress Wu Zetian of Zhou Dynasty (624-705) 1). -
Jan 1, 655
Wu Zhao becomes Empress
Wu Zhao killed her own baby daughter shortly after it's birth. She accused Gaozong's wife, Empress Wang of the deed. He then replaced his wife for her. She was one step closer to Emperor power. (Wu Zetian (624 - 705 AD) 1). -
Jan 1, 656
Wu Zhao's son becomes the crown prince
This stengthens her position as Empress. Gaozong suffered a stroke in 651 and could not rule. Wu Zhao was able to rule through her son and manipulate him, but it wasn't enough to satisfy her. (Wu Tse-t'ien 408). -
Jan 1, 661
Umayyads become caliphs
In 661 the Umayyads took over the position of ruling the Muslim empire. Mu'awiyah, the first in the family to rule, succeded Ali, the last of the four rightly guided caliphs. They brought the Muslim dynasty to its highest peak in power and territory. (Umayyad Dynasty (Islamic History) 1). -
Jan 1, 700
Wu Zhao builds pagodas and temples
As one of the last things she did in her time of ruling, she built pagodas and Buddhist temples that showed wealth and strengthened ties between government and religion. (Wu Tse-t'ien 408). -
Jan 1, 700
Europeans begin to use water wheels
In the early 700s, Europe began to use water wheels to power their mill drives. This was a huge technological advancement because it was easily attainable energy and it saved people and their animals a lot of time and effort that they had used as power before. (Grun 69). -
Jan 1, 705
Wu Zhao dies
Wu Zhao is overthrown in the late 600s or early 700s by her son. She then dies of an illness and is buried next to the Emperor Gaozong. Again, she was the only woman ever to become an emperor. It was a great accomplishment considering the low social ranks that women held during this time period. (Tang Empress Wu Zetian - the Only Female Emperor in Chinese History 1). -
The emperor dies
In 649, Emperor T'ai-tsung dies, leaving the position open to his son. All of his concubines are forced to leave the palace and become nuns. But the new emperor, Gaozong liked her and visited her often. (Ancient Worlds Staff 1). -
Wu Zhao becomes a concubine
Wu Zhao became one of the Emperor T'ai- tsung's many concubines. After his death this enables her to get close to the throne and eventually become the wife of the next emperor. (Empress Wu Zetian 1). -
Wu Zhao becomes Emperor
She immediately proclaims the Zhao Dynasty after herself. She was the first and only female emperor and made history. She disposed of her sons and daughter to get to the position and when she got there she decided to make some important changes involving womans' rights. (Wu Zetian (624 - 705 AD) 1).
