Ancient Businessmen

Marcus Licinius Crassus (115-53 BC): He was a Roman general and politician who was considered one of the richest men in ancient history. Crassus made his fortune through real estate investments, buying properties in Rome at low prices, and renting them out for high profits.

Cleopatra VII (69-30 BC): The last pharaoh of ancient Egypt, Cleopatra was a shrewd businesswoman and investor who managed the kingdom's finances effectively. She also had a personal fortune, amassed through trading in exotic goods like spices, textiles, and precious stones.

King Croesus (595-546 BC): The last king of Lydia (now part of Turkey), Croesus was known for his wealth and prosperity. He made his fortune by introducing a new form of currency and expanding Lydia's trade network.

Zhang Qian (c. 200-114 BC): A Chinese explorer and diplomat, Zhang Qian played a key role in expanding China's trade and diplomatic relations with neighboring regions. He traveled as far as Central Asia and brought back valuable goods like horses, jade, and spices.

Gaius Julius Caesar (100-44 BC): One of the most famous figures in Roman history, Julius Caesar was also a successful businessman and investor. He owned several large estates in Italy and used his political power to expand his wealth through various means, including extortion and confiscation of assets.

Hammurabi (c. 1810-1750 BC): The sixth king of Babylon, Hammurabi was a wise ruler who introduced several legal reforms and economic policies that contributed to the prosperity of his kingdom. He regulated trade, established a uniform system of weights and measures, and provided protection for merchants.

Han Feizi (280-233 BC): A Chinese philosopher and politician, Han Feizi was one of the key founders of Legalism, an important political and economic philosophy in ancient China. He believed that the state should have a monopoly on trade and commerce, and that merchants should be subject to strict regulations and taxes. Despite his controversial views, Han Feizi's ideas had a significant impact on China's economy and governance.

Agathocles (361-289 BC): A Greek general and ruler of Syracuse, Agathocles was known for his military conquests and his entrepreneurial spirit. He introduced several economic reforms to his city-state, including the establishment of public markets, the construction of roads and harbors, and the encouragement of trade and commerce. He also invested heavily in agriculture, building irrigation systems and promoting the cultivation of new crops.

Imhotep (c. 2667-2600 BC): An Egyptian architect, physician, and advisor to Pharaoh Djoser, Imhotep was one of the most versatile and talented individuals in ancient history. He is credited with designing the Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the earliest known examples of monumental architecture. Imhotep was also an accomplished physician, and his medical knowledge and expertise were highly valued in his time. He was a key figure in the development of Egyptian medicine and pharmacology.