List of most wealthy historical figures

The list of most wealthy historical figures is based on calculations by Forbes. It is updated annually to reflect inflation. Most of the people on the list are from the Industrial Age, although there are a few Information Age people on the list.

The ranking process is done by percentage of the total GDP of the nation they lived in at the time they were alive. Whether or not their fortune was inherited, the list records the people at the time of their greatest net worth, not by their current net worth, or their net worth when they died. The list doesn't significantly change from year to year unless there is a new person who qualifies to be on the list or someone surpasses their previous peak amount. However this can only really happen to those who are still alive.

Bill Gates' title as the richest person alive has been challenged by telecom baron Carlos Slim Helu in August 2007. Some sources have cited Slim as the world's richest man, however Forbes list of the richest people still places Gates at the top.

Lists by years: 2006-

• Wealthy historical figures 2006
• Wealthy historical figures 2007

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