Who is considered the richest sportsperson ever, and from what era?

Gaius Appuleius Diocles, an ancient Roman charioteer from the second century AD, is claimed to be the richest sportsperson ever.

What were the estimated earnings of Gaius Appuleius Diocles?

His career earnings were 35 million sesterces, which has been estimated to be equivalent to $15 billion in today's currency.

How do historians view the wealth of ancient sports?

Historians like Professor Mary Beard discuss the big business of chariot racing and how to think about money and wealth in past economies.

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Ancient Charioteer Tops Wealthiest Athletes List

21 Feb

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Summary

Gaius Appuleius Diocles was a second-century Roman charioteer.
His earnings were 35 million sesterces, possibly $15 billion today.
The wealth of ancient sports is debated by historians.

Ancient Charioteer Tops Wealthiest Athletes List

Gaius Appuleius Diocles, a Roman charioteer from the second century AD, has been identified as potentially the wealthiest athlete in history. His career earnings, recorded at 35 million sesterces, have been astonishingly recalculated to be around $15 billion in contemporary terms. This significant figure prompts a re-evaluation of wealth and economic scales in ancient societies.

Discussions led by figures like Professor Mary Beard from the University of Cambridge explore the vast financial enterprises of ancient sports, particularly chariot racing. These conversations aim to contextualize historical economic data, questioning how modern valuations apply to past economies and understanding the true scale of wealth amassed by ancient figures.

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