The Hidden Riches of Women in History: Meet the Forgotten Female Billionaires Who Ruled Empires and Built Empires

The world's richest people are often men, but there have been several women throughout history who have amassed incredible fortunes. Unfortunately, many of these women have been overlooked or forgotten by history. In this article, we will explore the lives of some of the forgotten female billionaires throughout history.

Hetty Green (1834-1916)

Hetty Green was an American businesswoman and investor who was known as the "Witch of Wall Street." She inherited a large fortune from her father, who was a successful businessman, and went on to become one of the most successful investors of her time. She was known for her frugal lifestyle and shrewd investments, which helped her amass a fortune of over $2 billion in today's dollars.

Wu Zetian (624-705)

Wu Zetian was a Chinese empress who became the first and only female ruler of China. She rose to power through her intelligence and political acumen, and her reign is remembered for its relative peace and prosperity. She was also known for her patronage of the arts and literature, and her wealth allowed her to commission some of the most beautiful works of art of her time.

Cleopatra (69-30 BC)

Cleopatra was the last pharaoh of Egypt, and one of the most famous women in history. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, and political savvy, and her wealth was legendary. She controlled a vast empire that included Egypt, parts of Africa, and the Middle East, and her wealth allowed her to commission some of the most magnificent buildings and artworks of her time.

Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908)

Empress Dowager Cixi was a Chinese empress who rose to power in the late 19th century. She was known for her intelligence and political acumen, and her reign is remembered for its modernization efforts and efforts to improve the lives of Chinese women. She was also one of the richest women in China, and her wealth allowed her to commission some of the most beautiful works of art and architecture of her time.

Sarah Breedlove (1867-1919)

Sarah Breedlove, also known as Madam C.J. Walker, was an American entrepreneur and philanthropist. She was one of the first African American women to become a self-made millionaire, and she did so by creating a line of hair care products for black women. Her success allowed her to become a leading figure in the fight for women's rights and racial equality.

Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603)

Queen Elizabeth I was one of England's most successful monarchs, and her reign is remembered as a golden age of art and literature. She was also one of the wealthiest women in Europe, with a personal fortune estimated at around $2 billion in today's dollars. Her wealth allowed her to commission some of the most magnificent works of art and architecture of her time, and her patronage of the arts helped to foster a vibrant cultural scene in England.

Helena Rubinstein (1872-1965)

Helena Rubinstein was a Polish-American businesswoman and philanthropist who was known for her line of cosmetics and beauty products. She was one of the richest women in the world during her lifetime, and her wealth allowed her to become a leading figure in the arts and culture scenes of Paris and New York.

Kim Kardashian West (1980- )

Kim Kardashian West is an American reality TV star, entrepreneur, and social media influencer. She is one of the most famous women in the world, and her success has allowed her to amass a fortune estimated at around $1 billion. Her business ventures include a line of cosmetics and fragrances, a mobile gaming app, and a clothing line. Despite her controversial rise to fame, Kardashian West has become a powerful force in the entertainment industry and a symbol of female empowerment.

Lina Medina (1933- )

Lina Medina is not a household name, but she is one of the wealthiest women in history. She made headlines in 1939 when, at the age of just 5 years old, she became the youngest person in history to give birth. She went on to live a quiet life, but her wealth has grown over the years due to wise investments and business ventures.

Queen Isabella I (1451-1504)

Queen Isabella I of Castile and Leon is remembered as one of the most powerful and successful monarchs in Spanish history. She was also one of the wealthiest women in Europe, with a fortune estimated at around $2 billion in today's dollars. Her wealth allowed her to support the arts and culture, and her patronage helped to usher in the Spanish Renaissance.

Mary Kay Ash (1918-2001)

Mary Kay Ash was an American businesswoman and founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. She was one of the most successful women in the cosmetics industry and built a fortune estimated at around $2 billion. Her success inspired a generation of women entrepreneurs and helped to break down barriers in the business world.

Queen Victoria (1819-1901)

Queen Victoria is one of the most famous and influential women in history, and her reign is remembered as a time of great cultural and technological progress. She was also one of the wealthiest women in the world, with a personal fortune estimated at around $5 billion in today's dollars. Her wealth allowed her to become a leading patron of the arts and culture, and her support helped to foster a vibrant cultural scene in England.

Maria Anna Schicklgruber (1795-1847)

Maria Anna Schicklgruber is not a household name, but she was the grandmother of one of the most infamous men in history: Adolf Hitler. She was also one of the wealthiest women in her village, and her fortune allowed her to support her family and community.

Bessie Coleman (1892-1926)

Bessie Coleman was an American aviator and the first African American woman to hold a pilot's license. She achieved great success in her field and became a symbol of female empowerment and racial equality. Her life was tragically cut short in a plane crash, but her legacy lives on as a trailblazer and inspiration to women everywhere.

Huda Kattan (1983- )

Huda Kattan is a makeup artist and entrepreneur who is best known for her line of cosmetics, Huda Beauty. She has become one of the most influential figures in the beauty industry and her success has allowed her to amass a fortune estimated at around $1 billion. Her brand has become a symbol of female empowerment and a testament to the power of hard work and determination.

Nancy Walton Laurie (1952- )

Nancy Walton Laurie is the daughter of Walmart co-founder Bud Walton and one of the wealthiest women in America. Her fortune is estimated at around $8 billion, and she has become a leading philanthropist and supporter of education and the arts.

In conclusion, while the world's wealthiest people are often men, there have been many forgotten female billionaires throughout history. These women have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have helped to pave the way for future generations of women. By acknowledging and celebrating their achievements, we can help to ensure that their legacies live on and continue to inspire others for years to come.