690 – 700s

Events in the 690s 1

• 690 – 705 Wu Zetian — China's only female emperor 690–705 AD — sole empress regnant in Chinese history Wu Zetian rose from concubine to become the only woman in Chinese history to assume the title of Empress Regnant, ruling in her own name from 690 to 705 AD. She expanded the civil service examination, promoted officials based on merit rather than birth, extended the empire, and commissioned major Buddhist works. She ruled effectively for 15 years before being forced to abdicate aged 80.