When we think of the wealthiest individuals in the world today, names like Elon Musk, Mukesh Ambani, Jeff Bezos, Bernard Arnault, and Mark Zuckerberg often come to the mind. But centuries before these modern billionaires made their fortunes, there was a woman whose wealth surpassed them all.
The super rich queen of China
Empress Wu Zetian of China’s Tang Dynasty ruled with an iron fist, and had an estimated fortune of $16 trillion worth as per today’s money, making her not just the richest woman of her time but also one of the wealthiest figures in history. Her reign, which lasted from 690 to 705 AD, saw her control not only an empire but also vast resources, political influence, and a fortune that dwarfs even the combined wealth of today’s richest individuals.
She was a cunning and strategic leader
Wu Zetian was not born into a position of power. In fact, she started her career as a concubine in the royal palace, but her ambition and cunning nature led her to rise to unprecedented heights. She was a skilled political operator and used her intelligence and sometimes ruthless methods to eliminate rivals and consolidate her power. By 690 AD, she had secured the throne, becoming the only woman to ever officially rule China as emperor in her own right. Her reign saw controversy and exceptional success, with her ability to maintain control of the empire, even against significant opposition,
Her wealth came from a combination of sources, including strict control over the empire’s resources and heavy taxation policies. She owned vast swaths of land, which she used to her advantage, ensuring that her coffers were always full. Her ability to manage and manipulate resources allowed her to fund military campaigns, maintain political alliances, and mark a spot for herself in history. In fact, the wealth she accumulated was so vast that it’s estimated to be greater than the combined net worth of today’s wealthiest people, including Musk, Bezos, and Arnault.
China grew economically and culturally under her reign
Wu Zetian’s reign was not just about amassing wealth. Under her leadership, China saw a vast territorial expansion, particularly into Central Asia, which strengthened the empire’s influence in a vast region. This expansion helped boost trade, particularly in valuable commodities like silk and tea, which were highly looked for in distant parts of the world. The booming trade routes extended as far as Europe and the Middle East, bringing immense prosperity to the empire.|
But Empress Wu Zetian wasn’t just focused on the economy and military. She also made progress in cultural and intellectual development, being a patron of Buddhism, she promoted the religion across China, and her support for scholars and intellectuals helped create a flourishing cultural environment. Moreover, she implemented reforms that promoted meritocracy, giving individuals based on talent and skill more opportunities to serve in government, regardless of their social class.
Despite her progress, her reign was controversial
Despite her achievements, Wu Zetian’s rise to power was lined with controversy. Many historians accuse her of ruthless tactics, including the elimination of rivals and even members of her own family, to secure her position. Some sources suggest that she may have gone so far as to have her children killed to prevent them from becoming threats to her rule.
Though her methods were often brutal, her influence on Chinese history cannot be denied. Her wealth and power were not just the result of her inheritance, but rather her calculated decisions and strategic use of the empire’s resources. She remains one of the most interesting figures in world history being an empress who ruled with unparalleled authority and amassed a fortune that still outpaces the richest individuals today.
Photo Credits: Wikipedia
