The highest-paid athlete ever lived 2,000 years ago, and was richer than Jordan, Novak, and Messi combined
When we think of the richest athletes in the world, the first names that come to mind are Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Jordan, or Novak Djokovic. However, none of them can compare to Gaius Appuleius Diocles, a Roman charioteer who lived almost 2,000 years ago.
TL;DR
- Gaius Appuleius Diocles, a Roman charioteer from nearly 2,000 years ago, was the wealthiest athlete in history.
- His fortune, 35,863,120 sesterces, is equivalent to billions of dollars today, surpassing modern athletes.
- Diocles competed for 24 years, participating in over 4,200 races and achieving 1,462 victories.
- Chariot racing in Rome was a dangerous sport with minimal safety precautions, where drivers tied reins around their waists.
- Despite his fame and wealth, Diocles retired to a private, modest life.