In the annals of history, few monarchs have achieved the staggering wealth attributed to Empress Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in China’s history.
With an estimated net worth of US$16 trillion (£13 trillion) in today’s money, she eclipses even Queen Elizabeth II, who was the longest-reigning monarchs, whose wealth, by comparison, totalled £500 million in 2022 when she passed away.
Empress Wu reigned during China’s Tang Dynasty, a period renowned for its cultural and economic prosperity.
However, her path to becoming the world’s richest female monarch is marred by tales of ruthlessness.
Wu reportedly orchestrated the deposition of her own sons, who briefly reigned as emperors, to claim the throne herself.
Even more chilling are claims that she may have murdered one of her children during her ascent.
But these accounts remain speculative because of how long ago it was.
Despite the controversies surrounding her rule, Empress Wu’s reign brought significant economic growth to the Tang Dynasty.
Her empire expanded the Chinese empire into Central Asia, bolstering trade routes like the Silk Road.
This expansion facilitated the lucrative trading of tea, silk, and other goods with Western nations, cementing China’s role as a global economic powerhouse during the era.
Her reign, which lasted 15 years, is credited with supporting the country’s growth and elevating it to unprecedented heights of wealth and influence.
In comparison, Queen Elizabeth II, who was considered one of the wealthiest monarchs in Britain’s history, pales in comparison to Wu’s astronomical wealth.
While the Queen presided over a vast property portfolio and iconic treasures, her £500 million fortune, which included estates, jewels, and even legal ownership of dolphins in British waters, appears modest when juxtaposed with Wu’s legacy.
Today, Empress Wu remains a polarizing figure in history.
Some view her as a tyrant who stopped at nothing to achieve power, while others praise her for her decisive leadership and the prosperity she brought to her nation.
