• When her son died in 188 BCE, placed infant on throne so she could hold power
• When that young emperor died, replaced with another infant
• Held power from 188 BCE to her death in 180 BCE through this
• Was a ruthless woman who had long been condemned by Confucian historians
• Was a competent ruler who provided stable leadership
• Once she died, many relatives were killed or dismissed and power was restored to Liu family