Yes, there has always been a wide gulf between the richest people and the poorest throughout history. This is due to a variety of factors, including differences in access to resources, education, and opportunities. However, the extent of income inequality has varied over time and across different societies, depending on factors such as economic policies, social norms, and political systems. In some cases, efforts to reduce income inequality have been successful, while in others, the gap between the rich and poor has continued to widen.