Woman who surpassed Ambani and Adani in wealth, with a history of murdering newborn daughter to get power

Once, there was a woman who was richer than billionaires Mukesh Ambani, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Who was she? Wu Zetian is described as the richest empress in the world.

Long before billionaires like Musk hit the headlines, there were reports of the astonishing wealth of Wu Zetian from the Tang Dynasty. She was blessed with the greatest fortunes that one can attain in ancient history.

She was a powerful leader in the Tang Dynasty and was the only female emperor of Imperial China. According to reports, her net worth is estimated to be around 16 trillion US dollars. Wu Zetian 'officially' ruled from 690 to 705 AD during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). She was able to increase her wealth manifold through strategic moves.

As the ruler of one of the largest and richest empires in the world, her influence spanned many areas, including politics, trade, and cultural development. Wu Zetian used wealth to strengthen her rule, secure political alliances, and cement her legacy.

Historians often describe Emperor Wu Zetian as a shrewd and cunning ruler. Legend says she was manipulative, promiscuous, ruthless and cruel, even murdering members of her own family. There is a story that Wu Zetian smothered her newborn daughter and blamed the Empress for the murder. She has even resorted to brutal tactics to assert her hold on power.

Although there were many controversial issues, Zetian's leadership brought great benefits to the Tang dynasty. During her nearly 40-year reign, she was able to expand the Chinese empire into Central Asia. Under her rule, the Chinese economy flourished.