When we think of the world’s richest individuals, names like Mukesh Ambani, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bernard Arnault, and Mark Zuckerberg often come to mind. However, long before any of these modern tycoons existed, a powerful Chinese Empress named Wu Zetian of the Tang dynasty amassed a staggering fortune estimated at around $16 trillion USD—far surpassing the combined net worth of today’s wealthiest people.
Empress Wu Zetian, a figure of immense political prowess comparable to Joan of Arc, Queen Elizabeth I, and Catherine the Great, is remembered as the richest-ever female monarch. Her vast wealth was a testament to her astute vision, shrewd tactics, and ruthless decisions, including the alleged killing of her own children. Despite her controversial methods, she implemented significant reforms, such as reducing taxes on peasants to boost agricultural productivity and state revenue. However, her legacy is marred by accounts of cruelty towards the rich and her enemies, real or imagined.
Born in 624 AD in Shanxi province to a wealthy timber merchant, Wu Zetian’s father had close ties with Li Yuan, who later became Emperor Gaozong of Tang. This connection allowed her to forge close relationships within the royal household. From an early age, Wu Zetian displayed a passion for literature. At 14, she was appointed as a secretary in the Tang Palace, serving under Emperor Taizong.
Following Emperor Taizong’s death, Wu Zetian was sent to a Buddhist monastery—a common practice for women associated with the emperor. However, her affair with Emperor Gaozong, Taizong’s son and successor, brought her back to the palace as a concubine. Through cunning and determination, she ousted Empress Wang and ascended to the throne as empress in 655.
A pivotal moment in her ascent to power came when Emperor Gaozong’s health deteriorated, leading him to entrust Empress Wu with the governance of the empire. Despite facing debilitating migraines and vision loss, Gaozong’s trust in Wu Zetian marked the beginning of her historic reign. She became the first and only woman to rule China, presiding over a significant expansion of the Chinese empire during her 15-year reign from 690 C.E. to 705 C.E.
Empress Wu was well-educated, visionary, and an excellent public speaker. She implemented numerous welfare measures that boosted trade, including reducing taxation and reopening the Silk Road. Her reign was marked by both progressive reforms and ruthless tactics, creating a complex legacy that continues to fascinate historians.
