Money in the History of Humanity

Irish economist David McWilliams explores the inseparable connection between human progress and money – from clay tablets of Mesopotamia to modern cryptocurrencies. No innovation has defined the evolution of the Homo sapiens species as deeply and radically as money. However, despite their absolute dominance in our minds and behavior, most of us do not truly understand the role and essence of money. Where do they come from? How much is there in the world? Who really controls them?
Money is inextricably linked to every sphere of our activity, from politics to art. Greek culture spread across the Mediterranean due to silver tetradrachms, and the Roman Empire conquered the world through credit. The Italian Renaissance began with the light hand of Florentine bankers, and the most disgraceful European legacy, colonialism, became possible due to the emergence of joint-stock companies. The history of money is the history of the most curious, inventive, and dangerous species of animals on earth.