Empire Games

This series explores the greatest empires in a way that has never been fully investigated. Each episode highlights and exposes the political intrigue, personal vendettas, family mayhem, acts of vengeance and the ever-evolving tension, turmoil and chaos that shaped these civilisations and led to their destruction from within. Born in 624 CE, Wu Zhao became the concubine of Emperor Taizong. Her entry into the palace would begin one of the most dramatic periods in Chinese history. She would ultimately rule as the Empress Wu and expand Chinese military and political control in Central Asia and the Korean peninsula. Court intrigue raged during her reign and she successfully undermined constant attempts to usurp her power. In the end, however, ill health and conspiracy would combine to force her abdication. The former rulers seized control and the second Zhao dynasty began and ended with her.