The Rothschild family, known for its work in banking, real estate and philanthropy, has existed as a financial dynasty since the 18th century.
Amid centuries of success, the Rothschilds have been the subject of conspiracy theories, with many alleging that the prominent Jewish family has undue influence over global politics.
The Rothschilds have long been accused of running a global financial cabal in the 19th century, while recent antisemitic conspiracy theories claim they control natural disasters to profit from them—a theory put forward by Washington, D.C., Councilmember Trayon White Sr. in 2018.
After making its money through financial institutions over the past three centuries, the family, which can trace its history back to Germany, now has many members in Europe, Israel and the United States.
On Wednesday, a member of the family, Will Rothschild, reportedly died in a house fire in Los Angeles.
The History of the Rothschilds
The Rothschilds first rose to prominence as a European banking family in the 1700s. The first Rothschild patriarch, Mayer Amschel Rothschild, grew up in the Jewish ghetto in Frankfurt, Germany.
Through his father's textiles company, Mayer Amschel Rothschild was able to learn trading and eventually became a dealer in rare coins. That occupation brought him to the attention of the crown prince, for whom he later worked.
After marrying the daughter of a money changer, he had 10 children. The family moved from Germany to France, Italy, Austria and the United Kingdom—with its branches of lenders and traders linking to create one of the first international banks.
Among the successful early Rothschilds was Nathan Mayer Rothschild, who moved to Manchester, England, to set up a textiles business and then to London to establish the N.M. Rothschild bank, which is still in operation.
Nathan Mayer Rothschild also helped to finance the British army in its fight against Napoleon. His involvement in the conflict was the subject of an early conspiracy theory about the family, with some claiming that he paid to go to the Battle of Waterloo so he could profit from announcing that Britain had won the war.
He and his daughter Louise Rothschild also paid for the creation of synagogues in London and Jewish Free Schools across Europe.
Which Rothschilds Are Alive Today?
Many Rothschilds still live in Europe, as well as in Israel and the United States. Emma Rothschild is a history professor at Harvard and an honorary professor at Cambridge. David Mayer de Rothschild is an environmental activist, and Hannah Rothschild is an author.
James Rothschild, a financier, is married to Nicky Hilton, the hotel heiress and sister of reality TV star Paris Hilton.
Who Was Will Rothschild, and How Did He Die?
On Wednesday, a million-dollar Hollywood home believed to be owned by Will Rothschild, an older and more reclusive member of the family, went up in flames.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said in a news release, "In a systematic search inside the burned premises, firefighters discovered the body of an elder male, who was determined to be deceased at the scene."
The medical examiner's office for Los Angeles County has not determined the identity of the body, but neighbors said the house belonged to Will Rothschild, leading them to believe he had died in the fire.
One of his neighbors, Jim Moore, told local news channel KABC: "It is very sad. He was a good guy. A good neighbor."
How Much Is the Rothschild Family Worth?
The combined wealth of the Rothschild family across all its branches is estimated to be $15.7 trillion. A more conservative estimate from a Sunday Times report in 2023 said the Rothschilds were worth $1 billion.
The family did not appear on the outlet's 2024 Rich List.
What Companies Do the Rothschilds Own?
The Rothschilds own and sit on the boards of various companies. Nathaniel Rothschild was the co-chair of the hedge fund Atticus Capital from 1996 until it closed in 2009.
He is now the executive chairman of the board of directors at Volex, an electrical manufacturing company.
Lynn Forester de Rothschild is the CEO of E.L. Rothschild, a company with investments in media, including the Economist Group.
David Mayer de Rothschild launched a sustainable clothing brand called the Lost Explorer. The brand also sells mezcal.
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