Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou

Lore & Background

His mother was Yuwen Tai's concubine Lady Chinu. He was considered filially pious, respectful, and intelligent in his youth. During six years his father entrusted him and his brother to general Li Xian for protection and education. Yuwen Hu served as regent, deposing and killing Emperor Xiaomin and later poisoning Emperor Ming. Emperor Wu was largely silent early in his reign, giving Yuwen Hu free rein, but he began cultivating loyal officials. 62%), with lower amounts of Yellow River farmers ancestry (c. 32%) and 6% Western Steppe Herders. The study suggested he might have died of a stroke and reconstructed his face, which showed a typical East or Northeast Asian facial appearance.

Reader's Guide

His death the following year, however, prevented him from achieving the unification of all China. His legacy is tied to the subsequent decline of Northern Zhou under his son Emperor Xuan, leading to the usurpation by Yang Jian and the founding of the Sui dynasty. His reconstructed face offers a visual link to the past.

Did You Know?

• Emperor Wu's personal name was Yuwen Yong, and his Xianbei nickname was Miluotu.
• His wife, Empress Ashina, was of the early Turkic Ashina tribe and was of nearly entirely Ancient Northeast Asian ancestry.