The Secret History of China's Female Emperor

Ruthless, scheming, manipulative politicians, hellbent on bringing calamity to a once-prosperous nation. But enough about the news. Instead, we’re in the seventh century with a documentary about China’s Forgotten Emperor; yes, a female emperor. A documentary about the empress of China.

It’s a terrific story: how a concubine, just 13 when she entered court, became imperial China’s only female emperor, ruled for 50 years (behind the scenes and in her own right) and presided over a period of great stability and prosperity. Before her reign, we were informed, China had been ruled by an aristocratic male elite, and she spent her career seeing them off. I wonder if Theresa May is watching.

• Category

  • People & Blogs

• License

  • Standard YouTube License