The five richest queens in history, Empress Wu, Catherine the Great, Cleopatra VII, Isabella of Castile, and Hatshepsut, have left an indelible mark on their own countries. Their tremendous influence and wealth shaped empires and civilizations.
Their current aggregate estimated worth is $17.598 trillion, demonstrating the huge impact of female monarchs throughout history. The challenges of measuring historical wealth highlight the complexities of their reigns and the economic realities at the time. However, it is critical to understand that such estimates are speculative and subject to different techniques.
1. Empress Wu (624-705) — US$16 trillion
Empress Wu Zetian, born in 624 CE, rose from concubine to become China’s sole female empress during the Tang Dynasty. She wielded considerable authority behind the scenes until formally crowning herself Emperor in 690 CE, ruling until 705 CE, and founding the Zhou dynasty.
Her rule saw geographical growth and economic prosperity via the Silk Road trade, however tarnished by harsh ways of killing rivals. Despite the controversy, she is recognized as both a visionary leader and a symbol of power, with her legacy continuing through numerous media depictions and an estimated worth of US$16 trillion, according to BusinessDay.
2. Catherine the Great (1729-1796) — US$1.5 trillion
Catherine the Great, born in 1729, ascended to power in Russia after deposing her husband in 1762. As empress, she elevated Russia to the status of worldwide superpower, promoting Enlightenment-inspired culture, science, and education. She increased Russian territory, annexing Crimea and parts of Poland, and her economic power was huge, controlling substantial land holdings and accounting for around 5% of global GDP, which historians estimate to be an incredible US$1.5 trillion.
Despite problems such as attempted uprisings, Catherine’s reputation lives on as a visionary leader who modernized Russia and left an unmistakable stamp on its history, influencing its growth and cultural development.
3. Cleopatra VII (69BC-30BC) — US$96 billion
Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, born approximately 70 or 69 BCE, co-ruled Egypt with her brother before assuming complete authority. She was known for her political savvy and made ties with key Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Cleopatra’s dominance over Egypt’s successful industries contributed to her great riches, which totaled $96 billion.
Despite stabilizing Egypt, she was defeated in the Battle of Actium by Octavian. Her legacy, cloaked in myth and debate, remains captivating, depicting her as a powerful and enigmatic monarch who changed Egypt’s fate and left an everlasting impact on history.
4. Isabella of Castile (1451-1504) — US$5 billion
Queen Isabella I of Castile, sometimes known as Isabella the Catholic, defied the odds to succeed to the throne in 1474 and reigned for thirty years. With her husband, Ferdinand II of Aragon, she unified Spain politically and religiously, setting the framework for the Spanish Empire with Christopher Columbus’ journeys.
Isabella’s riches was unsurpassed, with an annual income of 1.45 million ducats, equivalent to around $5 billion today. Her reputation as an outstanding queen continues to inspire, symbolizing a united Spain and influencing the era of exploration and empire building.
5. Hatshepsut (1507BC-1458BC) — US$2 billion
Hatshepsut, the female king (pharaoh) of ancient Egypt, ascended to power around 1473 BCE by marrying her half-brother, Thutmose II, then acting as regent for her stepson, Thutmose III, before becoming co-ruler. Her reign was characterized by unprecedented wealth, with control over gold, copper, and precious stone mines, estimated at approximately US$2 billion today.
She oversaw ambitious building projects and transformed her image to legitimize her power. Hatshepsut’s legacy endures as one of the most famous female pharaohs, showcasing her strength, intelligence, and leadership, and standing as a testament to female empowerment and greatness in ancient Egypt.