As an expert in the field of economics and history, I have a profound interest in the lives and achievements of individuals who have shaped the world through their wealth and influence. When discussing the richest person in the world ever, it is essential to consider various factors such as the time period, the economic conditions, and the methods of wealth accumulation.

The term "richest person" can be interpreted in different ways. If we are looking at nominal wealth, which is the wealth calculated in today's dollars, then the list of richest individuals might include modern billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates. However, if we consider wealth in terms of purchasing power or economic influence relative to the world's GDP, then historical figures come into play.

John D. Rockefeller, as mentioned, was an oil tycoon and philanthropist who is widely considered one of the wealthiest Americans in history. His wealth at the time of his peak, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was immense. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company dominated the oil industry and his personal wealth was estimated to be around 1% of the U.S. GDP at the time, which is equivalent to over $400 billion in today's dollars.

However, when we delve into the historical context, Mansa Musa of the Mali Empire, who lived between 1280 and 1337, is often cited as the richest person in history. His wealth was not only in gold, which was abundant in his kingdom, but also in land, resources, and trade. His pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 is legendary, as he distributed so much gold along the way that it reportedly devalued gold in the regions he visited for years to come.

It's important to note that comparing wealth across different eras is challenging due to the differences in economic systems, currencies, and the value of money over time. Adjusting for inflation and changes in GDP, some economists argue that figures like Augustus Caesar or Genghis Khan might have had a more significant economic impact relative to their times.

Another factor to consider is the nature of wealth itself. In ancient times, wealth was often measured in land, livestock, and precious metals. In the modern era, wealth is more diversified and includes stocks, real estate, and intellectual property, among other assets.

In conclusion, while it is difficult to definitively say who the richest person in history is, considering all the variables, Mansa Musa is often regarded as the wealthiest due to the sheer scale of his wealth and its impact on the global economy of his time. Rockefeller's wealth, while significant, was more concentrated in a single industry and a single country.

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Here's what it was like to be Mansa Musa, thought to be the richest person in history. Billionaires Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett are currently the three richest men in the world, according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index.Feb 14, 2018read more >>