[Colorado Doug]

Something that I aways find striking about rich and powerful historic figures is their level of wealth compared to today. Three and a half centuries ago owning an 8000 sq ft home meant you were one of the most powerful men on earth. Today someone with a net worth of a billion dollars is not even rich enough to get on the Forbes 400 but could easily afford to build a 50,000 or 60,000 sq ft home.

I enjoy comparing modern life to the times of old too. The greatest wealth could not buy the most basic of conditions that we now take for granted. Fresh fruit and vegetables from all over the world, year around. Lights, heat and air conditioning. Finely woven sheets, better than owned by kings are available at the local discount store. Transportation that would turn any royalty green with envy. Who of us could take the deprivation of living like a king in the days of the Iliad?

[tet68]

Who of us could take the deprivation of living like a king in the days of the Iliad?

Well, it sure would beat living like a commoner...