The historical figure of Empress Wu, known as Wu Zetian, is revealed to be the wealthiest woman in history, with a fortune estimated at around £12 trillion. This figure dwarfs the combined net worth of contemporary billionaires such as Elon Musk and Donald Trump, which is approximately £11 trillion less. The revelation highlights the vast difference in wealth over time and the remarkable power held by Empress Wu during her reign in the Tang Dynasty.
To understand the magnitude of Empress Wu’s wealth, it is crucial to compare it with that of modern billionaires. According to Forbes, Trump’s net worth stands at approximately $7.3 billion, bolstered by gains in cryptocurrency and recent licensing deals. Meanwhile, Musk’s fortune, primarily fueled by his stake in SpaceX, has reached around $677 billion. Despite their impressive wealth, the two combined still fall short when compared to Empress Wu’s astonishing fortune.
The Rise of Empress Wu
Born in 624 AD in Shanxi Province, Empress Wu came from a wealthy family connected to the imperial court. At just 14, she entered the palace of Emperor Taizong as a secretary, where she received an education that was rare for women of her time. Following the emperor’s death, she became a concubine to his son, Emperor Gaozong, and began her ascent to power.
Her journey to the throne was marked by ambition and controversy. Empress Wu initially ruled from the shadows before forcing her son to abdicate in 690 AD, officially becoming emperor herself. She would govern directly for the next 15 years, a period during which she became infamous for her strict and often ruthless leadership style.
Economic Impact and Legacy
The influence of Empress Wu extended well beyond her immediate reign. Under her leadership, the Tang Dynasty controlled an estimated 23% of the global economy, establishing her as a ruler whose personal wealth has not been matched since. Historical accounts suggest that while she was associated with various purges and political killings, she also implemented significant reforms that strengthened the economy, advanced education, and shifted power away from military elites towards scholars.
Empress Wu’s reign concluded with her death in 705 AD at the age of 81. Her legacy persists as a powerful reminder of the vast wealth and influence one individual can wield, and her story continues to resonate through history as a testament to female leadership in a predominantly patriarchal society.
As we reflect on her remarkable life and wealth, it becomes evident that Empress Wu’s historical significance far surpasses that of modern billionaires, reinforcing her status as the richest woman in history.
