History's Crazy Rich Ancients

Meet the mega-millionaires who hosted parties so epic that they're still being talked about today.

When you're one of the richest people to ever live, no price is too high to pay for an object of desire, no matter how expensive - or strange - it may be.

Lavish dining is the epitome of living it up, and these are the mega-moneyed gourmands who spent jaw-dropping sums in pursuit of the rarest, the richest, and the most forbidden food and drink money could buy.

The prized possessions of some of history's richest people haven't been castles, jewels, or fine art, but something more exotic.

Gold has always been the ultimate status symbol. It’s beautiful, virtually indestructible, and above all, incredibly rare. For these ancient figures, acquiring–and spending–huge stockpiles of gold was an all-consuming passion.

The philosopher Biggie Smalls once said, mo money, mo problems–and no problem has loomed larger for history’s crazy rich than how to keep themselves–and their multi-million dollar homes–safe and secure. These three figures broke the bank on security features designed to prevent break-ins.