I think any serious study of history should begin with the history of money. I found this excellent summarization in three parts last night and am eager to share and discuss. Also, to find out if any of our resident scholars have anything to add... Part 1 http://www.xat.org/xat/moneyhistory.html Part 2 http://www.xat.org/xat/usury.html Part 3 http://www.xat.org/xat/usury.html
Interesting how you can generate fake value out of thin air given the opportunity. Fractional reserve banking ftw. Interesting how you can take advantage of entire nations given the opportunity. Bank of England ftw. Interesting how you can bet on all horses given the opportunity. Investing in war ftw.
A colleague wrote her dissertation on the impact of religion and early economies. She contended that "temples" acted as the first banks, issuing lines of credit and even factoring recievables.
