This top list shows the top 10 richest people of all time (estimated net worth, including land area)
People
These values are adjusted for inflation.
1. Genghis Khan (1162 – 1227) – $120 trillion
As the founder of the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan built the largest contiguous land empire in history. Although he personally avoided hoarding wealth, his control over vast lands, resources, and trade routes gave him unmatched influence. Additionally, he oversaw the Silk Road, which boosted commerce and connected East and West. Unlike many rulers, Genghis redistributed spoils of war among his generals and troops. Nevertheless, his dominance over nearly half the known world grants him the top spot in historical wealth rankings.
Image at Genghis Khan (1162-1227) #4 Photograph by Granger – Pixels
2. Emperor Shenzong of Song (1048 -1085) – $30 trillion
Emperor Shenzong ruled one of the world’s wealthiest and most populous empires during China’s Song Dynasty. The Chinese economy flourished under his reign, driven by technological innovation, expansive trade, and strong central administration. He oversaw the implementation of reforms that boosted agricultural output and tax revenue. Consequently, the imperial treasury swelled to unprecedented levels. While personal wealth figures are hard to verify, his control over the empire’s vast resources places his fortune among the greatest in history.
Image at Emperor Shenzong of Song | Willie277 Wiki | Fandom
3. Akbar I (1542 – 1605) – $21 trillion
Akbar the Great ruled the Mughal Empire at the height of its power and wealth. His empire covered much of the Indian subcontinent and generated an immense amount of revenue through agriculture, trade, and taxation. In addition, he promoted religious tolerance and administrative efficiency, both of which helped unify his territory. Akbar controlled one of the largest economies in the pre-modern world. Though wealth was tied to the empire rather than personal holdings, his total influence over that wealth makes him one of the richest ever.
4. Joseph Stalin (1878 – 1953) – $7.5 trillion
As the dictator of the Soviet Union, Stalin held absolute power over one of the largest economies in the 20th century. While he didn’t own private fortunes in the traditional sense, he controlled the entire economy and resources of the USSR. This included vast industries, military forces, and natural wealth like oil, coal, and minerals. Stalin’s centralized power made him one of the most financially influential figures in history, even if personal luxury wasn’t his focus.
Image at Joseph Stalin Images Images High Quality Resolution
5. Augustus Caesar (63 BC – 14) – $4.6 trillion
Augustus, the first Roman Emperor, effectively owned the entire Roman Empire. He held supreme authority over the military, land, and state finances. At its peak, Rome accounted for a significant portion of global economic output. Moreover, Augustus personally controlled Egypt’s wealth after defeating Cleopatra and Mark Antony. His dominance over land, gold, and tribute systems gave him incredible personal power and wealth, arguably making him one of the richest men of the ancient world.
Image at Por. Augustus Caesar. Bc 63 – Ad 14. — Google Arts & Culture
6. Alexander the Great (356 BC – 323 BC) – $2 trillion
Alexander conquered a vast empire stretching from Greece to India in just over a decade. His campaigns captured enormous treasures from cities like Persepolis and Babylon. Moreover, he ruled over countless trade routes and resource-rich territories. While he often gave wealth to loyal generals and soldiers, he remained the central authority over all conquered lands. Though his reign was short, the immense resources under his command make him one of history’s most powerful and wealthy figures.
7. Catherine the Great (1729–1796) – $1.5 trillion
Catherine ruled the Russian Empire during a time of great expansion and reform. She gained control over new territories, including Crimea, and modernized Russia’s administration. Her reign brought increased agricultural and industrial productivity, boosting state revenues. Catherine also acquired vast personal lands and palaces, making her incredibly wealthy by contemporary and historical standards. Combined with her control of the imperial treasury, her economic reach ranks her among the richest monarchs ever.
8. Mansa Musa (1280 – 1337) – $400 billion (Although ome historians estimate that Mansa Musa possessed “incomprehensible wealth.”)
Mansa Musa, ruler of the Mali Empire, is often regarded as the wealthiest individual from Africa. His empire controlled vast gold mines, which supplied much of the world’s gold at the time. His famous pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 showcased his immense wealth—so much so that his lavish spending reportedly caused inflation in regions he visited. In addition to gold, Musa’s empire thrived on trade and learning, turning Timbuktu into a major cultural hub. His legacy remains legendary.
9. John D. Rockefeller (1839 – 1937) – $340 billion
Rockefeller was the richest American in history and the first modern billionaire. He founded Standard Oil, which at its peak controlled over 90% of U.S. oil refining. Through strategic investments, ruthless competition, and strong business acumen, he amassed a fortune that, adjusted for inflation, surpasses nearly every individual in modern history. Though later in life he gave away large sums to charity, his peak net worth remains one of the highest ever recorded.
10. Andrew Carnegie (1835 – 1919) – $310 billion
Carnegie made his fortune in the steel industry during America’s Industrial Revolution. He built the Carnegie Steel Company, which he later sold to J.P. Morgan for $480 million—a staggering amount at the time. His business innovations and control over every step of steel production helped him dominate the market. After retiring, he devoted much of his wealth to philanthropy, funding libraries, universities, and research institutions. Still, at his financial peak, Carnegie was among the richest individuals in history.
Image at Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919) | Art UK
This top list shows the top 10 richest people of all time (estimated net worth, including land area).
Sources:
All The People In Human History Who Have Had A Net Worth Greater Than $100 Billion | Celebrity Net Worth
Revisiting Our List Of The Richest Human Beings Of All Time (Adjusted For Inflation) | Celebrity Net Worth
The 10 Richest People of All Time | Money
10 richest people who ever lived – net worths, ranked: Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos don’t come close to Genghis Khan, oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller or ‘trillionaires’ Catherine the Great and Joseph Stalin | South China Morning Post