When we think of the highest-paid athletes in history, names like Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, or LeBron James often come to mind. Their multimillion-dollar contracts, endorsements, and global fame have made them some of the richest sports figures of the modern era. However, when adjusted for inflation and considered from a historical perspective, none of these contemporary icons hold the title of the highest-paid athlete in all of history.
That title, surprisingly, belongs to a man from ancient Rome: Gaius Appuleius Diocles, a charioteer who raced nearly two thousand years ago. According to historical records, Diocles earned an astronomical sum during his career, making him not only the wealthiest athlete of the ancient world but arguably the most highly compensated sportsman in human history—even by today’s standards.
The World of Roman Chariot Racing
To understand Diocles’ fortune, one must first understand the world in which he lived and competed. Chariot racing was the most popular and lucrative sport in ancient Rome, far surpassing gladiatorial combat or theater in terms of fan engagement and social importance.
These races were typically held in massive arenas like the Circus Maximus in Rome, which could seat over 150,000 spectators. The races featured teams (called factiones) that were divided by color—Reds, Whites, Blues, and Greens. Fans supported their faction with the same intensity as modern football ultras, and successful charioteers could become household names.
While many racers were slaves or freedmen, the most skilled and daring among them could amass enormous wealth and fame. And among them all, Diocles stood above the rest.
Gaius Appuleius Diocles: The Greatest Earner in Ancient Rome
Gaius Appuleius Diocles was born in the Roman province of Lusitania (modern-day Portugal) in 104 CE. He began his racing career at the age of 18 and continued for an impressive 24 years—a rare feat in a sport as dangerous and physically punishing as chariot racing.
According to an inscription erected in his honor, Diocles won 1,462 races out of 4,257—an astounding success rate considering the deadly competition. But what is most astonishing is the amount of money he reportedly earned during his career: 35,863,120 sesterces, a sum that was publicly recorded and celebrated in Rome. shutdown123