Introduction
Rome remains one of the most powerful and influential civilizations, and many of its citizens were among the wealthiest in the world. Ancient Rome was filled with exceptionally wealthy people, from senators who lived in massive palaces to merchants who made their wealth from overseas trading. Who was the richest of them all?
The Wealthiest Ancient Romans
The Senatorial class was the wealthiest and most powerful in Ancient Rome. As they were the only ones allowed to hold political office, they commanded significant wealth and power. Some of the wealthiest ancient Romans include Marcus Crassus, Gaius Marius, and Julius Caesar.
Marcus Crassus was a first-century BC Roman politician and general. He held seven consulships, built a vast real estate empire, and was one of the wealthiest men in Rome. According to historian Pliny the Elder, Crassus was worth 200 million sesterces (a unit of currency in Ancient Rome).
Gaius Marius was a military leader and politician of the Roman Republic. He was the first Roman commoner to be elected consul and amassed great wealth, with some historians estimating his wealth at around 100 million sesterces.
Julius Caesar was a renowned statesman and military leader who was instrumental in transforming Rome into an empire. He controlled a fortune worth approximately US$3.7 billion in modern currency, making him one of the richest Romans in history.
Praetorian Prefects
The Prefects of the Praetorian Guard were a powerful political force during the Roman Empire. These Prefects wielded significant financial power and amassed great amounts of wealth. One of the wealthiest prefects was Laco, who was worth an estimated 320 million sesterces.
Another Praetorian Prefect, Pallas, was estimated to be worth 1.15 billion sesterces. He was known for his extravagant lifestyle and owned vast swaths of land – including actual islands. Pallas also used his wealth to bribe various senators, making himself both powerful and extremely rich.
Merchants & Traders
The Roman Empire was an expansive trading network that reached from Britain to Mesopotamia. Merchants and traders from all over the Empire profited from trading precious commodities, such as spices, silk, and jewelry. One of the wealthiest of these traders was Publius Aelius Aristides, who owned multiple ships, had investments in many markets, and collected considerable sums of money from taxes in Asia Minor.
Marcus Licinius Crassus was another wealthy merchant. He made his fortune by amassing vast amounts of silver and gold, which he then exchanged for goods. He was also an extremely successful trader, and his wealth was estimated to be in the billions of sesterces.
The Wealthiest Ancient Roman
Who was the wealthiest of them all? It is impossible to know with certainty as the value of a sesterce fluctuated over time and between regions. However, many experts believe that the wealthiest ancient Roman was Marcus Crassus, who owned the most real estate and had a fortune worth 200 million sesterces.
The Expansion of Wealth
The wealthiest in Ancient Rome were not just restricted to the Senatorial class, they also included merchants, traders, and prefects of the Praetorian Guard. The wealth of these individuals increased dramatically as the Roman Empire expanded and trading sites opened up across the known world. Legendary figures such as Crassus, Marius, and Caesar made great fortunes from their conquests and investments.
The Ones Who Got Richer
The wealthiest Romans were not only those who had large fortunes, but also those like Crassus and Marius who knew how to invest their money and increase their wealth. They used their influence to further their own financial interests, expanding trade networks and taking control of vast areas of land. Other wealthy individuals, such as Pallas and Aristides, were able to amass large fortunes thanks to their savvy trading skills.
The Impact of Wealth
The wealthy ancient Romans were often able to use their wealth to secure political power and their own personal interests. This had a profound effect on the Roman Empire, as the wealthiest citizens were able to effectively control the social, political, and economic systems. This resulted in an elite class of individuals who had disproportionate amounts of wealth and power.
The Decline of Wealth
As the Roman Empire declined, so did the wealth of its citizens. Without the infrastructure of trade, taxation, and military conquest, many wealthy individuals were unable to maintain their wealth and power. Even high-ranking senators fell on hard times as the Roman Empire began to crumble.
The Legacy of Wealth
The wealthiest individuals in ancient Rome left an indelible mark on history. They used their great wealth to further their own interests, break down social and political barriers, and dramatically impact the course of the Roman Empire. The legacy of their wealth is still felt today, as subsequent generations seek to emulate their success and prosperity.
