This is world’s richest woman ever, way richer than Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, Azim Premji, Adani combined, she was from…, her net worth was…
A woman so wealthy that her fortune surpasses the combined fortunes of today’s billionaires such as Mukesh Ambani (Net worth USD117.6), Elon Musk (Net worth USD240.7 billion) and Jeff Bezos (Net worth USD200.8 billion), as of July 30th in Forbes. Her extraordinary fortune places her in a unique league, making her one of the wealthiest figures in all of history. She was Empress Wu Zetian, the world’s richest woman ever. Long before our contemporary billionaires made headlines, Wu Zetian of the Tang dynasty amassed an astounding fortune of trillions. Her extraordinary story stands out as a testament to the immense power and riches one could accumulate in ancient history, long before today’s wealthiest individuals came into the spotlight.
Wu Zetian, also known as Empress Wu, was a powerful leader of the Tang dynasty. According to TOI, Wu Zetian’s net worth is estimated to be around USD16 trillion. The empress rose to power during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) and ruled from 690 to 705 AD, amassing her wealth through strategic control of the empire’s resources, taxation, and extensive land holdings. As the ruler of one of the world’s largest and most prosperous empires, her influence stretched across multiple domains, including politics, trade, and cultural development. She used her immense wealth to strengthen her reign, secure political alliances, and solidify her legacy.
About Empress Wu Zetian
Empress Wu Zetian, often depicted by historians as a shrewd and cunning ruler, employed various political and sometimes ruthless strategies to secure and maintain her grip on power. Some accounts, especially from her detractors, suggest she went to extreme lengths, including accusations of eliminating her own offspring, to eliminate threats to her rule.
Despite the contentious aspects of her reign, Wu Zetian’s leadership brought significant achievements to the Tang dynasty. Her roughly 15-year rule, from 690 to 705 AD, witnessed the expansion of the Chinese empire into Central Asia, extending China’s influence across vast territories. Under her governance, the Chinese economy thrived, particularly through the booming trade of tea and silk, which were among the most sought-after commodities in global markets, as documented by The China Project. This era of economic prosperity solidified China’s position as a global trading power, with bustling trade routes reaching as far as the Middle East and Europe.
Her reign was also marked by advancements in cultural and intellectual pursuits, including support for Buddhism and initiatives to promote scholars and officials based on merit rather than birthright. Wu Zetian’s legacy is a blend of power, controversy, and significant contributions to China’s economic and territorial expansion.