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In 1913, Rockefeller became the richest person in the modern history of the world. Today, after adjusting for inflation, he is still the wealthiest person in the modern world.
This list of the richest people ever or the most wealthy historical figures is essentially a list of the richest people in recorded history, or the richest people ever born (ancient, medieval, and modern).
The list is based on calculations by Forbes.[1] These numbers are not nominal dollars or inflation-adjusted real dollars, but scaled by the size of the GDP at the time.[clarification needed] It is updated annually to reflect changes to GDP. However, their wealth or net worth is hard to estimate and the ancient historical figures are scarce in numbers or rare on the list. Also, the list presupposes the notion of private property, excluding monarchies where the ruler may theoretically own an entire empire.
[edit] Top ten wealthiest historical figures
- Based on the international or World GDP Locked on the Gold Standard
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[edit] Other wealthy historical figures
- Bill Gates, the richest living person, has an estimated net worth of USD 40 billion. He reached USD 101 billion in 1999.
- Warren Buffett, the second richest living person, has an estimated net worth of USD 37 billion. According to the stock index of Berkshire Hathaway, his fortune peaked on December 11, 2007 at USD 66.09 billion.[7]
- Carlos Slim Helú, the third richest living person, has an estimated net worth of USD 35 billion.[8]
- Croesus' name in Greek and Persian cultures became a synonym for a wealthy man; in English, expressions such as "rich as Croesus" or "richer than Croesus" are used to indicate great wealth. Croesus himself is often credited with the invention of the first formalized currency systems and coinage.
- Mansa Musa was ruler of the Empire of Mali during its height in the 14th century. During a typical Muslim Hajj, it is customary to give alms, or charity, to the poor. During his Hajj to Mecca, Musa gave so much gold that the price of gold went down significantly across the entire Africa-Eurasia World. It is estimated that he gave away 30,000 pounds of gold, just during his stay in Mecca, not counting the silks and other luxuries that he gave as well. It is assumable that he had many times that back in Mali. Musa's lasting impact was alerting the world of West Africa's vast gold resources.
- The Medici family of Florence, Lorenzo de' Medici was worth ƒ 57,930 in 1481.[9]
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