People still like to write extensively about famous and wealthy individuals today. Reading about them is even more popular. It was no different in the Middle Ages and early modern period. The wealthy commanded respect and aroused great interest with their personas. On the other hand, they were ordinary people with their own weaknesses. Let us get to know several of the richest people who lived until the 18th century. How did they become wealthy? What did their path to success look like?
William the Conqueror
He was born in 1028. He was often called a bastard because his father conceived him with a mistress. He was the son of Robert I the Magnificent, who was also called the Devil. William was very bothered by the fact that his origins from an illegitimate union were pointed out to him in his youth. Despite this, he was never ashamed of his lineage. As early as 1035, he was designated as heir to the throne.
When William’s father died, it was very difficult to decide who should become his successor. The list of his father’s illegitimate children was very long. However, William was ultimately chosen. A considerable number of dukes disagreed with the decision to place him specifically on the throne, believing that they themselves should assume power.
By William the Conqueror’s order, a register of buildings with estimates of their value was begun. On this basis, taxes began to be established. During his reign, the principle was introduced – the vassal of my vassal is my vassal. In 1066, he invaded England with his armies. After the Battle of Hastings, he crowned himself King of England. He built castles, courts, and enormous structures. He introduced the feudal system to the English state.
William died during a war in France. Before his death, he passed power to his son – William II Rufus. Information about the exact amount of his wealth is not known. However, based on his achievements and conquered territories, it can be stated that he possessed an enormous fortune. He acquired it through the taxes he introduced.
Jakob Fugger
He came into the world on March 6, 1459, in Augsburg. He came from the Fugger family. His family was involved in the textile industry. Initially, he had plans to become a clergyman. At the age of 26, he went to Venice, where he married Sibylla. He then began working in the family business. As his first assignment, he received orders to travel to Austria.
He was to familiarize himself there with the subject of mining, which until then had been little known to textile industrialists. Jakob did not plan to follow in the footsteps of the family business. He was interested in extracting raw materials. In 1495, he founded a company together with his colleague. The enterprise focused on copper trading. The company quickly gained enormous cash flow.
After a short time, the youngest Fugger’s company stood out against the backdrop of the European economy. His goal was to monopolize the metals market. In 1519, he helped Charles V Habsburg become Roman Emperor by providing a loan to bribe the voters.
The fortune of this early modern tycoon, according to various sources, could amount to as much as 2 million guilders, which in the 16th century constituted an astronomical sum. After Jakob’s death in 1535, his immense wealth was inherited by his nephew Anton. Even during his lifetime, thanks to his fortune, Jakob could exert influence on the world around him. He was considered a man who lived according to his own rules.
Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb first saw the light of day on November 3, 1618. He was the sixth ruler of India from the great Mughal dynasty. His reign lasted forty-nine years. From his youth, he displayed leadership talents. As a teenager, he was very calm, avoiding all intoxicants and entertainment. He began his adventure with power quite quickly. In 1634, he became governor of the Deccan.
Thanks to Aurangzeb’s activities, the Mughal state significantly expanded its territories. The choices and policies of this ruler were evaluated differently even by his contemporaries. He was also subjected to harsh criticism. He owed his income to the customs duties, taxes, and so-called „jizya” that he introduced.
His annual income amounted to 450 million pounds. It was several times greater than that which the famous „Sun King” Louis XIV could boast. He used his wealth to build forts and bases in India. He allocated enormous sums to these projects. His religious convictions were completely different from the faith of his predecessors on the throne. He ceased to tolerate Hindus in his state.
He forbade them from building new temples. Hindus were not allowed to have mixed marriages (in terms of religion). Interestingly, it was he who destroyed the famous Golconda fortress. After 1704, he became obsessed with power and war. He allocated enormous sums of money for military purposes. His reign led to the complete downfall of the state.
