While discussions about the wealthiest individuals often highlight contemporary figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, a historical figure eclipses their fortunes by a staggering margin. Empress Wu Zetian, who reigned over China more than 1,300 years ago, holds the title of the richest woman in history, with an estimated wealth of around £12 trillion in modern terms. This figure dwarfs the combined wealth of Musk and Trump, who together fall short by over £11 trillion.
According to a report from the South China Morning Post, Empress Wu’s financial power was unparalleled during her reign in the Tang Dynasty, a period when China controlled approximately 23% of the global economy. Historical records suggest that her wealth and influence were so substantial that no modern billionaire can come close to her financial legacy.
Born in 624 AD in Shanxi Province, Empress Wu came from a wealthy family with connections to the imperial court. At just 14 years old, she entered the palace of Emperor Taizong as a secretary, receiving an education that was rare for women of her time. Following Taizong’s death, she became a concubine to his son, Emperor Gaozong, eventually ascending to power in a tumultuous series of events.
Wu Zetian’s rise to the throne was marked by intrigue and controversy. After initially ruling behind the scenes, she forced her son to abdicate and declared herself emperor in 690 AD. For the next 15 years, she ruled directly, implementing significant reforms that bolstered China’s economy and shifted power dynamics within the government.
Despite her contributions, Empress Wu’s leadership was often characterized by strictness and ruthlessness. Historical accounts link her to various political purges and killings, which reflect the cutthroat nature of her ascent. Nevertheless, her reign also saw advancements in education and a focus on meritocracy, moving power away from military elites and towards scholars.
Empress Wu’s reign came to an end in 705 AD when she passed away at the age of 81. Her legacy as the only female emperor in Chinese history continues to fascinate historians and the public alike, serving as a powerful reminder of her extraordinary wealth and influence.
In comparison, Donald Trump currently holds an estimated net worth of $7.3 billion, buoyed by gains in cryptocurrency and various business ventures. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has seen his fortune rise to approximately $677 billion due to his stake in companies like SpaceX. Despite their financial successes, neither can match the historical wealth of Empress Wu, whose financial empire remains unmatched centuries later.
This stark contrast between modern billionaires and the wealth of Empress Wu Zetian highlights the vast differences in historical and contemporary economics, illustrating how the legacy of one woman continues to overshadow even the wealthiest individuals of today’s world.
