According to Shoku Nihongi (Chronicle of Japan Continued), after Emperor Monmu died, since the successor, Emperor Shomu was too young to enthrone and the issue as to who should succeed to the throne was raised, it was decided that Ahe no Himemiko rule the government temporarily, who was Emperor Monmu's mother and Emperor Tenchi/Tenji's Princess.
続日本紀によると、文武天皇の崩御後、世継ぎの聖武天皇が幼少であったため後継問題が浮上し、そこで文武天皇の母で天智天皇の皇女にあたる阿閉皇女が仮に政務を執った。