25 Richest Kings in History

Posted by , Updated on March 25, 2024

Often, wealth and power come hand in hand. That’s especially true for kings who were born to rule. In many cases, kings have access to wealth through the lands and territories they control and through various economic systems and resources such as taxes, trade, and other lucrative business ventures. At the same time, it is difficult to accurately determine the wealthiest kings in history because wealth is often measured in modern currencies.

Despite that, here are 25 of the richest kings who are considered to be among the richest and most powerful figures in history.

25

Emperor Meiji

Emperor Meijihttps://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/history-and-stories/henry-viii/#gs.m00y12

Emperor Meiji, also known as Emperor Mutsuhito, was the 122nd Emperor of Japan and reigned from 1867 to 1912. He is known for modernizing Japan and transforming the country into a significant world power. Meiji honorably distributed his extravagant wealth to help those he served. Some of his projects included establishing a modern education system, promoting industrial development, and expanding the country’s infrastructure, including constructing new roads, railroads, and ports.

24

Mswti III

Mswti IIIhttps://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/history-and-stories/henry-viii/#gs.m00y12

Mswati III is the current King of Swaziland, a small landlocked country in southern Africa. In 1986, he ascended to the throne after his father’s death, King Sobhuza II. As a result, Mswati III has access to the Swazi monarchy’s wealth and resources, including valuable properties and assets. He has a personal net worth that is estimated to be in the range of $200 million to $500 million.

23

Amenhotep III

Amenhotep IIIhttps://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/history-and-stories/henry-viii/#gs.m00y12

Amenhotep III, an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled from 1391 to 1353 BC, had the privilege of inheriting the rule of Egypt at its peak. With more territory than ever, more wealth than anyone could imagine, and no wars to fight, Amenhotep III could entertain other pursuits. During his reign, Amenhotep III oversaw the construction of many grand architectural projects, including the Temple of Amun at Karnak and the Temple of Soleb, which were intended to glorify the gods and demonstrate the power and wealth of the Egyptian state.

22

Bhumibol Adulyadej

Bhumibol Adulyadejhttps://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/history-and-stories/henry-viii/#gs.m00y12

King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as King Rama X, is the current King of Thailand. He ascended to the throne in 2016 after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Vajiralongkorn’s wealth is estimated to range from $30 to 40 billion, according to Business Insider. Most of his wealth comes from real estate ventures held in the Brown Property Bureau.

21

Louis XIV

Louis XIVhttps://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/history-and-stories/henry-viii/#gs.m00y12

King Louis XIV, also known as “The Sun King,” was the King of France from 1643 to 1715. Upon his accession to the throne, he inherited a large fortune and many valuable properties and assets. Louis was known for his extravagant and opulent lifestyle, which included the construction of the Palace of Versailles, a lavish residence and center of power for the French monarchy.

20

Henry VIII

Henry VIIIhttps://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/history-and-stories/henry-viii/#gs.m00y12

King Henry VIII was the King of England from 1509 to 1547. He was a powerful and influential figure during his reign and is known for his role in the English Reformation, which led to the separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church. King Henry VIII was a wealthy and influential figure during his lifetime. He was the second son of King Henry VII and inherited a large fortune and many valuable properties and assets upon his accession to the throne. He also acquired additional wealth through his marriages, which included many wealthy and influential women, and his successful military campaigns and diplomatic efforts.

19

Mohammed VI

Mohammed VIhttps://www.tbsnews.net/world/top-10-richest-monarchs-world-145333

Mohammed VI is the current King of Morocco. In 1999, he ascended to the throne after his father, King Hassan II’s death. King Mohammed VI is a wealthy and influential figure who holds a great deal of power within Morocco. In terms of wealth, he has a personal net worth that is estimated to be in the range of $2.1 billion to $8.2 billion, making him one of the wealthiest kings in Africa.

18

Grand Duke Henri

Grand Duke Henri https://www.tbsnews.net/world/top-10-richest-monarchs-world-145333

Grand Duke Henri is the current head of the state of Luxembourg. In 2000, he ascended to the throne after the abdication of his father, Grand Duke Jean. Henri’s net worth is estimated at $4 billion to $5 billion, which he has accumulated through various investments, including agricultural and forestry interests, property development, and renewable energy projects.

17

Charles Philip Arthur George

Charles Philip Arthur Georgehttps://www.tbsnews.net/world/top-10-richest-monarchs-world-145333

Charles Philip Arthur George is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. He was appointed the King of England following the death of his mother on September 8, 2022. He has an estimated net worth of $600 million. Charles has many business ventures and investments, including agricultural and forestry interests, property development, and renewable energy projects. He also has many charitable and philanthropic initiatives, including the Prince’s Trust, which supports young people in the United Kingdom, and the Prince’s Foundation, which promotes sustainable development and design.

16

Felipe VI

Felipe VIhttps://www.tbsnews.net/world/top-10-richest-monarchs-world-145333

Felipe VI is the current King of Spain. In 2014, he ascended to the throne after the abdication of his father, King Juan Carlos I. He disclosed a net worth of 2.6 million euros not long after. The disclosure of his wealth is a response to calls for greater transparency and accountability within the Spanish monarchy. The Royal House of Spain faced criticism in the past for its lack of transparency, particularly during the reign of King Juan Carlos I, who faced allegations of financial wrongdoing.

15

Salman Abdulaziz bin Saud

Salman Abdulaziz bin Saudhttps://www.tbsnews.net/world/top-10-richest-monarchs-world-145333

Salman Abdulaziz, bin Saud, is the current King of Saudi Arabia. In 2015, he ascended to the throne after the death of his brother, King Abdullah. His net worth is estimated to be $17 billion to $18 billion, which he has accumulated through various investments, including real estate and business ventures.

14

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiahhttps://www.tbsnews.net/world/top-10-richest-monarchs-world-145333

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is the current Sultan of Brunei and the head of state in the country. He has held this position since 1967, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world. As the Sultan, he is the head of state and has constitutional authority over the government’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is believed to have a net worth estimated to be $20 billion to $28 billion, which he has accumulated through various investments, including real estate and business ventures.

13

Maha Vajiralongkorn

Vajiralongkornhttps://www.tbsnews.net/world/top-10-richest-monarchs-world-145333

Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as King Rama X, is the current King of Thailand. He had held this position since 2016 when he ascended to the throne after his father’s death, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. In terms of wealth, King Vajiralongkorn is believed to have a net worth estimated to be $30 billion to $43 billion, which he has accumulated through various investments, including real estate and business ventures.

12

Muammar Gaddafi

Muammar Gaddafi https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/history/10-of-the-richest-kings-in-history/

Muammar Gaddafi, also spelled Qaddafi, was the leader of Libya from 1969 until he died in 2011. He was a controversial and influential figure who played a significant role in the history of Libya and the broader region. He controlled a large portion of Libya’s oil wealth, which he used to fund various projects and initiatives. He also had access to the resources of the Libyan state, including its military and security forces. In terms of political power, Gaddafi was the absolute ruler of Libya and had control over the country’s government, military, and security forces.

11

William the Conqueror of Normandy

William the Conqueror of Normandyhttps://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/history/10-of-the-richest-kings-in-history/

Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, also known as Asaf Jah VII, was the last Nizam (ruler) of the princely state of Hyderabad in India. He ruled from 1911 until 1948 when the Indian government annexed the state. Mir Osman Ali Khan was known for his wealth and extravagance during his reign. He was one of the wealthiest men in the world at the time, with a personal fortune estimated to be worth around $2 billion. He owned vast estates, palaces, and other properties and was known for his lavish lifestyle.

10

Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan

Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khanhttps://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/history/10-of-the-richest-kings-in-history/

Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, also known as Asaf Jah VII, was the last Nizam (ruler) of the princely state of Hyderabad in India. He ruled from 1911 until 1948 when the Indian government annexed the state. Mir Osman Ali Khan was known for his wealth and extravagance during his reign. He was one of the wealthiest men in the world at the time, with a personal fortune estimated to be worth around $2 billion. He owned vast estates, palaces, and other properties and was known for his lavish lifestyle.

9

Tsar Nicholas II

Tsar Nicholas IIhttps://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/history/10-of-the-richest-kings-in-history/

Tsar Nicholas II, also known as Nicholas Alexandrovich Romanov, was the last Tsar of Russia, ruling from 1894 until his abdication in 1917. He was a member of the Romanov dynasty, which had ruled Russia for over 300 years. During his reign, Nicholas II held great wealth and power. As the Tsar of Russia, he controlled a vast empire that included vast lands and resources. He also had access to the wealth of the Romanov family, which included valuable properties and assets.

8

King Solomon of Israel

King Solomon of Israelhttps://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/history/10-of-the-richest-kings-in-history/

King Solomon, also known as Solomon, was the third king of Israel and the son of King David. According to the Hebrew Bible, he was known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects. Solomon is said to have amassed great wealth and power during his reign. He was known for his ability to acquire and trade valuable resources, including gold, silver, and precious stones. He also received tribute from other nations and used his wealth to fund ambitious projects, including constructing the First Temple in Jerusalem.

7

Akbar I

Akbar Ihttps://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/history/10-of-the-richest-kings-in-history/

Akbar I, also known as Akbar the Great, was a Mughal Emperor who ruled India from 1556 to 1605. He was a powerful and influential ruler remembered for his military conquests, administrative reforms, and cultural achievements. During his reign, Akbar I amassed great wealth and power. He controlled a vast empire across much of India, including rich agricultural lands, mines, and trade routes. He also collected a large amount of treasure, including gold, silver, and precious jewels, which he used to fund his military campaigns and support various projects and initiatives.

6

Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein

Abdullah II bin Al-Husseinhttps://lifebeyondsportmedia.com/The-10-Richest-People

King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein is the current King of Jordan. As a member of the Hashemite dynasty, he inherited significant wealth and held great political power within Jordan. King Abdullah II has a net worth estimated to be $1 billion to $5 billion, which he has accumulated through various investments, including real estate and other business ventures. He also has access to the wealth and resources of the Jordanian monarchy, which is one of the oldest and most influential in the Middle East.

_25 Richest Kings in Historyhttps://lifebeyondsportmedia.com/The-10-Richest-People

Genghis Khan, also known as Temüjin, was the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, becoming the largest contiguous empire after his death. He lived in the 13th century and is remembered as a military genius and a skilled statesman. Genghis Khan is said to have been extremely rich by the standards of his time. As the leader of the Mongol Empire, he had access to the state’s wealth, including the conquered territories’ wealth. He also had a personal fortune that included land, buildings, and other assets.

4

Alan Rufus

Chicken Pot Piehttps://lifebeyondsportmedia.com/The-10-Richest-People

Alan Rufus, also known as Alan the Red, was a Norman nobleman who lived in the 11th century. He was a close relative of William the Conqueror and played a vital role in the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. After the conquest, Alan Rufus was granted a large amount of land in England, including the honor of Richmond in Yorkshire, making him very wealthy. As a result, he became one of England’s richest and most powerful nobles.

3

Emperor Shenzong

Emperor Shenzonghttps://lifebeyondsportmedia.com/The-10-Richest-People

Emperor Shenzong, whose given name was Zhao Xu and the temple name was Zhezong, was the tenth emperor of the Song Dynasty in China. He ruled from 1067 to 1085 and is remembered as a patron of the arts and a reformer who worked to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Song government. He is credited with helping to make the Song Dynasty one of the wealthiest and most prosperous empires in Chinese history.

2

Augustus Caesar

caesar augustushttps://lifebeyondsportmedia.com/The-10-Richest-People

Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus, commonly known as Augustus, was the first Roman Emperor and one of the most influential figures in world history. As the first Roman Emperor, Augustus had access to the wealth of the Roman state, including the wealth of the Roman Empire’s many conquered territories. He also had a personal fortune that included land, buildings, and other assets. Augustus was known for his extravagance and is said to have owned several lavish villas and palaces, including the Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum and the Palace of the Caesars in Rome.

1

Mansa Musa

Richest Kingshttps://lifebeyondsportmedia.com/The-10-Richest-People

Mansa Musa was a ruler of the Kingdom of Mali in West Africa during the 14th century. Often described as one of the wealthiest individuals in history, Mansa Musa’s wealth was legendary. He is said to have had a fortune of around 400 tons of gold. Additionally, he is credited with helping to make Mali one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires in West Africa.