One of the richest men in the world died on the Titanic. Here's a look at the life of John Jacob Astor IV.

John Jacob IV was one of the wealthiest people in the world.Library of Congress / Getty

• Before John Jacob Astor IV died aboard the Titanic in 1912, he was one of the wealthiest people in the world.
• As a member of the famous Astor real estate family, he built landmark New York hotels like the Astoria Hotel and The St. Regis.
• John Jacob Astor IV also wrote a science fiction novel and was known as a successful inventor.
• After divorcing his first wife, he married someone 30 years younger than him, sparking a scandal. His new wife, who was pregnant, survived the Titanic.
• The wreckage of the Titanic was discovered 35 years ago, on September 1, 1985.

When the Titanic sank in 1912, it killed over 1,500 people, including some of the world's most wealthy and famous. But no victim aboard the ship had more money than John Jacob Astor IV.

He was a member of the famous Astor family, which was considered American royalty, especially in New York's organized society.

Exactly 35 years since the Titanic wreckage was discovered, let's take a look back at what John Jacob Astor's extravagant life was like before he met his fate aboard the ship.