The Incredible Earnings Of Athletes: A Look At The Wealth Of Gaius Appuleius Diocles

We've seen some wild contracts being handed out this year. Shohei Ohtani received a $700 million deal from the Los Angeles Dodgers. That contract contains the most guaranteed money in sports history. About a week later, the Dodgers also signed star Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a $325 million contract, the largest ever for a starting pitcher. This summer, Jaylen Brown became the first NBA player to sign a deal north of $300 million, inking a five-year, $304 million extension with the Boston Celtics. In the NFL, quarterbacks Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts all signed extensions with their respective teams, with the deals ranging from $255 million to $275 million.

Yet even with all those massive salaries being thrown around, one athlete has earned more than any other — and it's not even close.

Gaius Appuleius Diocles: The Ancient Chariot Racer

Gaius Appuleius Diocles was a chariot racer born in 104 AD who grew up in Lusitania, a Roman province that’s now a part of Portugal. He is best known for racing four-horse chariots, where he showcased his signature move of coming from behind to win in the final moments. This tactic not only thrilled fans but also contributed to his remarkable success on the racetrack.

Throughout his career, Diocles amassed a staggering 35,863,120 sesterces, a fortune that, when adjusted for inflation, amounts to about $15 billion. This figure dwarfs the earnings of modern-day athletes, making him a significant figure in sports history. For context, Michael Jordan, the wealthiest modern-day athlete, has made around $3.3 billion, which is nearly five times less than Diocles earned!

Chariot Racing: A Dangerous Yet Rewarding Sport

Chariot racing was not just a sport; it was an adrenaline-pumping entertainment spectacle in ancient Rome. The risks were high, with many racers facing severe injuries or even death. However, Diocles managed to have an impressively long career, racing for over 24 years and participating in 4,257 races. His talent allowed him to win 1,462 of those races and finish in second place in 1,438 others, showcasing his consistent performance.

During his racing days, he became a celebrated figure, racing in Rome’s Circus Maximus, which could hold up to 150,000 spectators. The excitement of his races and his skill on the track led to multiple monuments being erected in his honor, a testament to his popularity. Ironically, despite the dangers of his profession, Diocles did not suffer a fatal accident and is believed to have died peacefully in 146 AD, shortly after retiring from racing.

Modern Comparisons and the Future of Athlete Earnings

Thanks to ballooning contracts and thoughtfully negotiated endorsement deals, we may see more billionaire athletes in the coming years. The landscape of sports has changed dramatically, with athletes now benefiting from lucrative sponsorship agreements and media deals. However, even with these advancements, they still have a long way to go to catch up to Diocles at the very top of the earnings chart.

As we continue to witness remarkable contracts in various sports, it’s essential to remember the incredible history of athletes like Gaius Appuleius Diocles. His achievements remind us that while salaries have skyrocketed, the legacy of sports figures who broke barriers and set records will always stand the test of time.