When it comes to wealth, figures like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Bill Gates may dominate today’s headlines. However, the fortunes of these modern billionaire’s pale in comparison to the immense riches accumulated by historical rulers, emperors, and industrial magnates. From vast empires and unparalleled resources to unparalleled control over entire nations, these individuals hold some of the most mind-boggling wealth in history. Here’s a look at the ten richest people who ever lived, ranked by their estimated net worths in today’s dollars:
Table of Contents
1. Mansa Musa (1280-1337) – Net Worth: “Incomprehensible”
Mansa Musa, the emperor of the Mali Empire, is widely regarded as the wealthiest person in history. His wealth, primarily based on the vast gold reserves of his empire, is considered “incomprehensible.” Historians estimate the Mali Empire was the largest gold producer in the world during his reign. Musa is most famous for his extravagant pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, during which he spent so much gold in Cairo that he destabilized the local economy. While his wealth is estimated by some to be around $400 billion, the true value is immeasurable.
2. Genghis Khan (1162-1227) – Net Worth: $120 Trillion
Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire, created the largest contiguous empire in history, stretching from China to Eastern Europe. His empire dominated much of Asia and Europe, with vast control over resources, trade routes, and land. Today, Genghis Khan is believed to have amassed a fortune worth approximately $120 trillion, considering the vast extent of his empire’s resources. His influence was so immense that his genetic legacy is found in millions of men across the world today.
Also Read: Elon Musk Becomes the Richest Person in History with a Net Worth of
3. Emperor Shenzong (1048-1085) – Net Worth: $30 Trillion
Ruling during the Song Dynasty in China, Emperor Shenzong presided over a period of extraordinary economic growth. The wealth of his empire represented 25-30% of the world’s GDP, thanks to advancements in agriculture, trade, and taxation systems. The Song Dynasty was technologically advanced and efficient, leading to substantial wealth accumulation, which translates to an estimated net worth of $30 trillion today.
4. Akbar I (1542-1605) – Net Worth: $21 Trillion
Akbar the Great, the third emperor of the Mughal Empire, oversaw one of the most prosperous and expansive empires in history. His empire accounted for 25% of the global GDP, and his wealth was immense, surpassing that of contemporary European rulers. Akbar’s empire stretched across much of South Asia, making him one of the richest and most powerful individuals of his time, with an estimated net worth of $21 trillion in today’s money.
5. Empress Wu (624-705) – Net Worth: $16 Trillion
Empress Wu, the only female emperor of China, ruled during a time when China’s economy represented 23% of the world’s GDP. Known for her political cunning and ruthless ambition, she expanded the empire’s borders and controlled a significant portion of global trade, particularly in tea and silk. Her net worth is estimated to be around $16 trillion, making her one of the wealthiest individuals in history, and some historians even consider her the richest woman ever.
6. Joseph Stalin (1878-1953) – Net Worth: $7.5 Trillion
Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, amassed wealth through his totalitarian control over the USSR. While he did not technically “own” the wealth of the nation, Stalin controlled its resources and economic output, which made up about 9.5% of the global GDP in 1950. This equates to an estimated net worth of $7.5 trillion in today’s money, as the entire Soviet economy was under his command.
Also Read: Who Is Justin Sun? the Crypto Entrepreneur Who Bought a $6.2 Million Banana Art Piece
7. Augustus Caesar (63 BC-14 AD) – Net Worth: $4.6 Trillion
The first emperor of Rome, Augustus Caesar, ruled over an empire that controlled a significant portion of the world’s resources. His empire produced about 25-30% of the world’s GDP, with a fifth of that wealth belonging directly to him. Augustus’ personal wealth is estimated at $4.6 trillion, reflecting both his political power and control over one of the ancient world’s largest empires.
8. Catherine the Great (1729-1796) – Net Worth: $1.5 Trillion
Catherine the Great, empress of Russia, inherited vast territories and wealth, including a substantial portion of Russian GDP. Under her rule, Russia’s wealth and political influence expanded significantly. Today, her wealth is estimated to be around $1.5 trillion, thanks to her strategic conquests, investment in education, and control of extensive land and resources.
9. Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) – Net Worth: $372 Billion
A Scottish-born industrialist, Andrew Carnegie became one of the wealthiest men of his era by leading the expansion of the American steel industry. He sold Carnegie Steel in 1901 for $480 million (equivalent to about $372 billion today) and spent much of his fortune on philanthropic efforts, donating 90% of his wealth to causes such as education and libraries.
10. John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) – Net Worth: $340 Billion
John D. Rockefeller was the founder of Standard Oil and is widely regarded as the richest American in history. By monopolizing the U.S. oil industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Rockefeller amassed a fortune worth an estimated $340 billion today. Despite his controversial business practices, he was also known for his philanthropy, donating hundreds of millions to educational, religious, and scientific causes.
These individuals amassed wealth that not only changed the course of history but also redefined what it means to be truly rich. While today’s billionaires dominate the headlines, the fortunes of these rulers, emperors, and industrial magnates dwarf even the most successful businesspeople of today, showcasing the immense power and control they held in their time.
