Shangguan Wan'er was a Chinese politician, poet, and imperial consort of the Wu Zhou and Tang dynasties. Described as a "female prime minister," Shangguan rose from modest origins as a palace servant to become secretary and leading advisor to Empress Wu Zetian of Zhou. Under Empress Wu, Shangguan exercised responsibility for drafting imperial edicts and earned approbation for her writing style. She retained her influence as consort to Wu's son and successor, Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, holding the imperial consort rank of Zhaorong (昭容). Shangguan was also highly esteemed for her talent as a poet. In 710, after Emperor Zhongzong's death, Shangguan was killed during a palace coup that ended the regency of Empress Dowager Wei.
Shangguan Wan'er, Chinese poet (born 664)
On July 21, in the year 710, Shangguan Wan'er, Chinese poet (born 664). This event is recorded as a Notable Deaths event in the history of July 21, one of 430 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Shangguan Wan'er. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on July 21, 710 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Deaths event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 10 June 2026.
On This Date in History 430
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
People Involved
More on July 21
Pau Alsina, Spanish motorcycle rider (born 2008)
Pau Alsina was a Spanish motorcycle racer. He died from injuries sustained in an accident at MotorLand Aragón. He was competing in the 2025 FIM JuniorGP World Championship at the …
Pau Alsina, Spanish motorcycle rider (born 2008)
Tony Bennett, American singer (born 1926)
Anthony Dominick Benedetto, known professionally as Tony Bennett, was an American jazz and traditional pop singer. He received many accolades, including 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifeti…
Tony Bennett, American singer (born 1926)
Annie Ross, Scottish-American singer and actress (born 1930)
Annie Ross was a British-born American singer and actress, best known as a member of the influential jazz vocal trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. She helped pioneer the vocalese sty…
Annie Ross, Scottish-American singer and actress (born 1930)
Andrew Mlangeni, South African political activist (born 1925)
Andrew Mokete Mlangeni, also known as Percy Mokoena, Mokete Mokoena, and Rev. Mokete Mokoena, was a South African political activist and anti-apartheid campaigner who, along with …
Andrew Mlangeni, South African political activist (born 1925)
Alene Duerk, U.S. Navy first female admiral (born 1920)
Alene Bertha Duerk became the first female admiral in the U.S. Navy in 1972. She was also the director of the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps from 1970 to 1975. She is a 1974 recipient of a…
Alene Duerk, U.S. Navy first female admiral (born 1920)
John Heard, American film and television actor (born 1946)
John Matthew Heard Jr. was an American actor. He made his debut appearance in film with the ensemble Between the Lines (1977). He appeared in a number of successful films, includi…
John Heard, American film and television actor (born 1946)
Comments 0
Sign in to join the discussion.