The Millionaire Maverick Of Roman Racing: Gaius Appuleius Diocles

Racing to riches in the showbiz of Ancient Rome

A re-enactor at the Puy-du-Fou theme park in France. Photo by Sébastien Faillon— Wikimedia Commons

When it comes to ultra-rich athletes, names like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Cristiano Ronaldo come to mind. But their million-dollar deals pale in comparison to the staggering fortune accumulated by Gaius Appuleius Diocles, a chariot racer from the 2nd century AD.