182. The Lady Macbeth of China

In this episode of Empire, Anita Arnon and William Durhampool delve into the life of Empress Wu Zetian, picking up from their previous discussion. They explore her rise to power, marked by ruthless actions and strategic alliances, including her relationship with Xuanzang and the promotion of Buddhism. The hosts discuss Wu Zetian's consolidation of power through cultural patronage, economic policies, and the construction of grand monuments, as well as the challenges she faced from Confucian traditionalists. They also touch on the influence of Indian Buddhist monks and art on Chinese culture during her reign. The episode concludes with the beginning of Wu Zetian's decline, marked by personal confessions, failed attempts to secure immortality, and ultimately, a coup led by her son, setting the stage for the next episode's exploration of South India's Pallava dynasty.