Meet world's richest woman ever, way richer than Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, Adani, Musk, Gates

Could there have been someone wealthier than Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mukesh Ambani combined? Intriguingly, history points to such a figure: Empress Wu of China.

Empress Wu, reigning during the Tang dynasty, holds the title of the world's richest woman ever, with her net worth estimated at an astonishing USD 16 trillion. This figure surpasses the combined wealth of today's top billionaires, including Musk, Ambani, Bezos, Adani, and more.

When considering the wealthiest individuals, contemporary names like Elon Musk, Louis Vuitton owner Bernard Arnault, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani typically come to mind. Yet, few realise that Empress Wu's fortune eclipsed them all.

Empress Wu’s immense wealth, estimated at USD 16 trillion, places her in a league of her own. To put this into perspective, Musk’s net worth stands at around USD 229 billion, Bezos at USD 174 billion, and Ambani at USD 106.2 billion.

Historians describe Empress Wu as an astute and powerful ruler who employed various strategies to maintain her dominance. Some accounts even suggest she eliminated her own children to secure her position. Her reign, lasting approximately 15 years, saw the Chinese empire expand significantly into Central Asia.

The Chinese economy flourished under her leadership, with substantial growth in the trade of tea and silk. This economic boom during her rule is well-documented, underscoring her impact on China's prosperity.

Empress Wu’s legacy as the wealthiest woman ever continues to captivate historians and enthusiasts alike, reminding us that history often hides figures whose influence and wealth surpass even the most famous names of today.