Empress Dowager Ma

Empress Dowager Ma (1578–1669), also known by her formal title Empress Dowager Zhaosheng (昭聖太后), was an empress dowager of the Chinese Southern Ming dynasty. Her personal name is not recorded. She was a native of Sichuan Province in China.

Her primary historical significance stems from her role as the mother of the Yongli Emperor, one of the last emperors of the Southern Ming dynasty. Details regarding her early life, family background, and education are limited.

Throughout her lifetime, Empress Dowager Ma converted to Roman Catholicism. Upon her adoption of the faith, she took the Christian name Maria.

There is no additional information available regarding her political influence, specific activities as empress dowager, or her actions after the fall of the Southern Ming regime. Her lifespan covered a period of significant upheaval in Chinese history, coinciding with the decline of the Ming dynasty and the establishment of the Qing dynasty.

The historical record concerning her life primarily notes her cultural background, her religious conversion, and her familial connection to the imperial family.

See also:

- Catholic Church in China

- Catholic Church in Sichuan

References:

- [No specific references provided in the original text.]