Aristotle Onassis

Greek shipping magnate

Aristotle Onassis was a Greek-Argentine business magnate who amassed the world’s largest privately-owned shipping fleet and was one of the world’s richest and most famous men. He had a long-standing affair with opera singer Maria Callas and was married to American former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

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About the Aristotle Onassis

Aristotle Socrates Onassiswas a Greek and Argentine business magnate. He amassed the world’s largest privately-owned shipping fleet and was one of the world’s richest and most famous men. He was married to Athina Mary Livanos, had a long-standing affair with opera singer Maria Callas, and was married to American former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

Onassis was born in Smyrna in the Ottoman Empire and fled the city with his family to Greece in 1922 in the wake of the burning of Smyrna. He moved to Argentina in 1923 and established himself as a tobacco trader and later a shipping owner during the Second World War. Moving to Monaco, Onassis fought Prince Rainier III for economic control of the country through his ownership of SBM and its Monte Carlo Casino. In the mid-1950s, he sought to secure an oil shipping arrangement with Saudi Arabia and engaged in whaling expeditions. In the 1960s, Onassis attempted to establish a large investment contract–Project Omega–with the Greek military junta, and he sold Olympic Airways, which he had founded in 1957. He was greatly affected by the death of his son, Alexander, in 1973 and died two years later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aristotle Onassis was a Greek and Argentine business magnate who amassed the world’s largest privately-owned shipping fleet and was one of the world’s richest and most famous men.

Onassis was born in Smyrna in the Ottoman Empire and fled the city with his family to Greece in 1922. He later moved to Argentina in 1923 and established himself as a tobacco trader and shipping owner.

Onassis was married to Athina Mary Livanos, had a long-standing affair with opera singer Maria Callas, and was married to American former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

Onassis amassed the world’s largest privately-owned shipping fleet and became one of the world’s richest and most famous men. He also fought Prince Rainier III for economic control of Monaco through his ownership of SBM and its Monte Carlo Casino.

Onassis sought to secure an oil shipping arrangement with Saudi Arabia, engaged in whaling expeditions, and attempted to establish a large investment contract with the Greek military junta. He also founded Olympic Airways in 1957.

Onassis was greatly affected by the death of his son, Alexander, in 1973 and died two years later.

Aristotle Onassis was married to American former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.