History's Crazy Rich Ancients

When it comes to throwing parties, history's richest figures have always picked going big over going home. 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. 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, most powerful people haven't been castles, jewels or fine art. It's something more exotic, endangered even, with the ability to bite back.

The philosopher Biggie Smalls once said, "Mo money, mo problems," and no problem has loomed larger for history's rich than how to keep themselves - and their multi-million dollar homes - safe and secure.

Gold has always been the ultimate status symbol. It's beautiful, virtually indestructible and, above all, incredibly rare.

We expect the homes of extremely rich people to be remarkable. These three crazy rich ancients built palaces that are some of the largest, most luxurious buildings imaginable.

Here's a stone cold fact that not even the richest mega-millionaires can avoid: we're all gonna die. These ancients realised they were destined to spend more time in the tomb than the throne room.

The average American couple will drop five figures on their wedding.

Meet the ancients who bankrolled the construction of massive churches and temples.

Whether it's private planes, private trains or gold-plated limousines, the mega-rich have always flaunted their wealth by buying luxury vehicle.

All rich people have the money to build a dream house.