Emperor Gaozong of Tang

Emperor Gaozong of Tang, born Li Zhi, ruled the Tang dynasty from 649 to 683. His reign extended Tang power into Central Asia and ended with Empress Wu Zetian exercising effective authority.

Wu Zetian: Wu Zetian was the only woman to rule China as emperor in her own name, founding the Zhou dynasty in 690. As Gaozong’s empress, she increasingly directed state affairs during his later reign.
Tang dynasty: The Tang dynasty ruled China from 618 to 907, an era marked by imperial expansion and flourishing urban culture. Gaozong’s reign was one phase in the dynasty’s longer history.
Wu Zhou dynasty: The Wu Zhou dynasty was the state Wu Zetian proclaimed in 690, interrupting Tang rule until 705. Gaozong’s concentration of authority in Wu Zetian preceded her later replacement of the Tang dynasty.
Battle of Baekgang: The Battle of Baekgang was a 663 naval battle in which Tang and Silla forces defeated Baekje restoration forces and their Japanese allies. The victory demonstrated Tang military reach on the Korean peninsula under Gaozong.
Emperor Taizong of Tang: Emperor Taizong ruled the Tang dynasty from 626 to 649 and was Li Zhi’s father and predecessor. Taizong’s death placed Li Zhi on the throne in 649.
Tang campaign against the Western Turks: Tang campaigns against the Western Turks in the seventh century brought much of the Tarim Basin under Tang influence. Gaozong’s forces expanded Tang control westward through these campaigns.
Tang dynasty succession crisis: The Tang succession crisis was the struggle over imperial authority following Gaozong’s death in 683. His death left Wu Zetian able to control the succession and dominate the court.
Fall of Baekje: Baekje fell in 660 after a Tang and Silla invasion, though a restoration movement continued afterward. Gaozong’s intervention helped dismantle one of Korea’s three kingdoms.
Emperor Zhongzong of Tang: Emperor Zhongzong ruled briefly in 684 and again from 705 to 710, with Wu Zetian interrupting both periods. Gaozong’s son inherited the throne after his death, beginning a contested succession.
Tang conquest of Goguryeo: The Tang conquest of Goguryeo culminated in 668, ending the Korean kingdom after joint Tang and Silla campaigns. Gaozong’s reign saw the final defeat of Goguryeo and a major eastward expansion.

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