Untold story of Wu Zetian: The empress whose fortune surpassed Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, And Mukesh Ambani combined
Imagine a woman so wealthy that her fortune surpasses the combined riches of today¡¯s billionaires such as Elon Musk (Net worth $240.7 billion), Jeff Bezos (Net worth $200.8 billion), and Mukesh Ambani (Net worth $117.6), as of July 30th in Forbes. This isn¡¯t a modern-day scenario but a glimpse into ancient history. Meet Wu Zetian, the world¡¯s richest woman ever. Long before our contemporary billionaires made headlines, Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang dynasty amassed an astounding fortune of trillions. Her wealth and influence were so immense that they overshadowed even the wealthiest individuals of our time. Let's explore Wu Zetian's extraordinary life and how she became a legend of unimaginable wealth and power.
Wu Zetian: The World's Richest Woman Ever
Wu Zetian, also known as Empress Wu, was a powerful leader of the Tang dynasty. Her wealth and influence were so great that they outshone even the most famous billionaires of today. According to TOI, Wu Zetian's net worth is estimated to be around $16 trillion. She holds a unique place in history as the richest woman ever recorded.
The Power and Controversy of Empress Wu
Empress Wu Zetian¡¯s political skills were exceptional, and comparable to other famous historical figures like Joan of Arc, Queen Elizabeth I, and Catherine the Great. Her methods were often harsh, including the extreme measure of allegedly killing her own children. Despite this, she made significant contributions, such as lowering taxes for peasants, which helped increase agricultural productivity and state revenue.
However, her reign was controversial. Historians debate the extent of her cruelty, and she was known for her aggressive actions against the rich and powerful. Her time in power was marked by both admiration and fear, reflecting her complex legacy.
Also Read:?Meet S D Shibulal: Co-founded Infosys, check out his net worth and more
Wu Zetian's Rise to Power
Born in 624 AD in Shanxi province to a wealthy timber merchant, Wu Zetian¡¯s family was well-connected with the future Emperor Gaozong of Tang. This connection gave her opportunities to enter the royal court.
Her early interest in literature led her to a position as a secretary in the Tang Palace at just 14 years old. After the death of Emperor Taizong, she was sent to a Buddhist monastery, which was common for women linked to the emperor. However, her affair with Emperor Gaozong, the new emperor, brought her back to the palace as a concubine.
Empress Wu's Historic Reign
Wu Zetian¡¯s clever strategies helped her rise to power. She removed Empress Wang and took the throne in 655 AD. When Emperor Gaozong¡¯s health worsened, he trusted Wu to run the empire. This marked the start of her historic reign as the first and only woman to rule China. She ruled for 15 years before being removed from power in 705, which was the final year of her life.
Well-educated, visionary, and an excellent speaker, Empress Wu made many reforms. She lowered taxes and reopened the Silk Road, which helped boost trade and economic growth. Her rule, from 690 to 705 CE, left a significant impact on China¡¯s history.
Wu Zetian remains a fascinating figure in history. As the world¡¯s richest woman ever, her legacy includes immense wealth, major achievements, and a complex mix of political decisions. Her story continues to intrigue and inspire, showcasing her unique position in historical records.
Also Read:?Meet Faiq Bolkiah, the world's richest footballer with a net worth of Rs 1.6 lakh crore
Mansa Musa: The World's Richest Man Ever
When we think about the wealthiest people, we usually think of names we hear today. However, if we look into history, we find individuals with unimaginable wealth far surpassing today's richest. One such person is Mansa Musa, the African emperor from the 14th century, who is considered the richest man ever.
Born in 1280 AD, Mansa Musa ruled the vast Mali Empire in West Africa. He became king in 1312 AD, and his fortune was estimated to be nearly $400 billion when adjusted for inflation, which is still almost twice as much as today¡¯s richest individuals like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.
Mansa Musa¡¯s immense wealth came from his control over rich natural resources, including gold mines in regions like Bambuk, Wangara, Bure, Galam, Taghaza, and salt from northern areas. He ruled over several African territories, including the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso, with Timbuktu as his capital.
In 1324, Mansa Musa made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca for Hajj. His caravan was the largest ever to cross the Sahara Desert. According to reports, he traveled with 100 camels, massive amounts of gold, 12,000 servants, and 60,000 slaves. Historians believe he might have carried up to 18 tonnes of gold, valued at over $957 million in 2022.
Also Read:??Meet Richa Kar: How she built Rs 1600 Crore lingerie empire now owned by Mukesh Ambani
For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth.?Click here
