Zhang empress of Later Liang

Known to history simply as Empress Zhang (張皇后), her personal name, a detail often lost to the annals of time for many historical figures, remains unknown. She held the prestigious and powerful title of empress during a particularly tumultuous era in Chinese history, the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Her life concluded on March 27, 913, a date that marks the end of her brief but significant period as the consort to Emperor Zhu Yougui of the Later Liang dynasty.

The Empress and Her Tumultuous Era

Empress Zhang was the devoted wife of Zhu Yougui, a prominent figure who briefly ascended to the imperial throne of the Later Liang state. Her husband's reign, however, proved to be exceptionally short-lived, spanning a mere year from 912 to 913 CE. This was a common characteristic of the broader Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, an age of intense political fragmentation and constant power struggles in Chinese history that followed the collapse of the mighty Tang Dynasty. The Later Liang, founded by Zhu Wen, was one of the initial and most significant of these northern dynasties, but Zhu Yougui's brief rule serves as a stark example of the inherent instability and rapid succession that defined the period. While specific details of Empress Zhang's actions or direct influence during her husband's short tenure as emperor are scarce in historical records, her position as empress would undoubtedly have placed her at the very heart of courtly power and intrigue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Empress Zhang

Who was Empress Zhang?
Empress Zhang (張皇后) was the empress consort of Emperor Zhu Yougui of the Later Liang dynasty during China's turbulent Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Her personal name is not recorded in historical texts.
When did Empress Zhang live?
Her death is specifically recorded as March 27, 913. She served as empress during her husband, Zhu Yougui's, very brief reign from 912 to 913 CE.
Who was her husband?
Empress Zhang was the wife of Zhu Yougui, who briefly reigned as emperor of the Later Liang state, one of the Five Dynasties in northern China.
Which dynasty was she associated with?
She was primarily associated with the Later Liang dynasty, a significant state during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period of Chinese history.
What was the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period?
It was a period of intense political fragmentation and instability in Chinese history, lasting from 907 to 960 CE, following the collapse of the Tang Dynasty. During this time, five short-lived dynasties succeeded each other in the north, while more than ten independent kingdoms were established in the south.