
History of Money, Banking, and Trade
A historical look at the development and evolution of money, banking, and trade. From the ancient civilizations to the present.
Episodes
41 episodes
Episode 41. Money and Power in Ancient China
The financial brilliance of ancient China offers profound lessons for our modern economy. From the revolutionary policies of Li Kui who abolished hereditary slavery and granted private land ownership, to Emperor Wu's creation of what economists...
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Episode 41
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50:17

Episode 40. Ancient China's Financial Revolution
Journey through ancient China's remarkable economic evolution, from warring feudal states to a unified commercial empire that would influence global trade for millennia. This episode explores how Chinese civilization transformed between 720-221...
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Episode 40
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1:09:26

Episode 39. The Spring and Autumn period transformed China's economy forever.
The economic transformation of ancient China from 720-221 BCE presents a fascinating case study in how societies evolve from feudal structures to complex commercial economies. During this pivotal era, China underwent remarkable changes—from fra...
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Episode 38
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57:40

Episode 38. From Stone Age to Bronze Age: China's Economic Evolution
Dive into the fascinating economic foundations of ancient Chinese civilization through a journey spanning millions of years of human development. From the mythological giant Pangu separating yin and yang to create the world, to the sophisticate...
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Episode 38
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37:59

Episode 37. Sea Power vs Land Power: Why Rome Had to Destroy Carthage
The epic saga of Carthage's struggle with Rome reveals how economic systems, political ideologies, and military strategies shaped the ancient Mediterranean. From Hannibal's audacious crossing of the Alps to the final razing of a once-great mari...
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Episode 37
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53:44

Episode 36. When Merchants Became Warriors: Carthage's Fatal Transformation
The extraordinary transformation of Carthage from modest Phoenician colony to Mediterranean superpower represents one of history's most remarkable economic and political metamorphoses. Founded by traders seeking refuge from Assyrian control, Ca...
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Episode 36
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41:30

Episode 34. The Carthaginian Legacy: Trading Empire of the Ancient Mediterranean
Before Rome dominated the Mediterranean, Carthage reigned as its wealthiest maritime power. Born as a distant colony of Phoenician traders seeking escape from Assyrian control, this "New City" on North Africa's coast would evolve into something...
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Episode 34
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57:27

Episode 33. Phoenician Maritime Innovation
The remarkable story of the Phoenicians reveals how a small coastal civilization became the ancient world's greatest naval power through innovation rather than conquest. From their strategic position in the Levant, these master mariners created...
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Episode 33
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1:08:46

Episode 32. Beyond the Horizon: Phoenician Navigation and the Birth of Global Trade
The fascinating maritime prowess of the Phoenicians transformed ancient commerce through strategic innovation and bold exploration. Their geographical position along the Levantine coast allowed them to create unprecedented trade networks spanni...
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Episode 32
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1:07:08

Episode 31. Trade Secrets of the Ancient Phoenicians
Dive into the complexities and wonders of Phoenician civilization in this captivating episode! We uncover how this ancient society, known primarily for their trade and maritime skills, set the stage for the economic structures we know today. Wi...
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Episode 31
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1:05:03

Episode 30. Persian Intrigue and Economic Mastery
What if the financial strategies of an ancient empire could reshape your understanding of economic power today? Join me, Mike D, on a captivating exploration of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, where every twist of a half-brother's betrayal and t...
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Episode 30
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1:13:50

From Persia's Might to Greek Resistance
Unlock the secrets of ancient history as we navigate through the dramatic saga of Xerxes' invasion of Greece. Was it sheer ambition or supernatural forces that propelled Xerxes into one of the most audacious military campaigns of his era? Join ...
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Episode 29
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59:10

Episode 28. From Kings to Roads: The Strategic Marvels of the Persian Empire
What if leadership wasn't just about power, but about the strategic finesse to unify and expand one of history's most formidable empires? Join me, Mike D, as I unravel the compelling narratives of the Persian Empire from the visionary reign of ...
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Episode 28
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1:11:02

Episode 27. Cyrus the Great and the Rise of Ancient Economies
Unravel the secrets of ancient warfare and economics as we dissect the military genius of Cyrus the Great and the birth of coinage in Lydia. Witness the eerie silence of the elite Immortals and their psychological tactics that left ancient batt...
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Episode 27
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46:36

Episode 26. From Deserts to Dynasties: The Resilient Legacy of the Persian Empire
Unlock the secrets of the ancient Persian Empire and discover how its innovations shaped the world as we know it. Join me, Mike D, as we unravel the captivating history of this formidable civilization, from the pioneering leadership of Cyrus th...
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Episode 26
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48:50

Episode 25. From Ingots to Coins: Lydia's Financial Innovation
Embark on a fascinating exploration of ancient Anatolia and uncover the secrets of how the Ionian Greeks and Lydians shaped the economic and cultural landscapes of their time. Discover how the Ionian Greeks turned western Anatolia into a bustli...
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1:09:35

Episode 24. From Myths to Metallurgy: The Rise of Ancient Anatolia Trade
What can ancient myths teach us about history and culture? Join us as we unravel the spellbinding legend of Shahmaran, the Queen of Serpents, and her fateful encounter with Tahmasp. This myth sets the stage for our exploration of ancient Anatol...
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Episode 24
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1:00:35

Episode 23. Ancient India's Economic Evolution
Can the principles of an ancient Indian treatise still guide modern governance and economics? Explore the remarkable rise of the Mauryan Empire, where Chandragupta Maurya, under the mentorship of Chanakya, transformed post-Alexander India into ...
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Episode 23
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1:23:10

Episode 22. The Financial Frameworks of Ancient India: Usury, Banking, and Coinage
How did ancient civilizations manage to thrive without modern conveniences? Join me, Mike D, as we uncover the secrets behind the prosperity of Ancient India. Ever wondered how ancient societies organized themselves socially and po...
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Episode 22
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57:39

Episode 21. Unveiling the Peaceful Prosperity of the Indus Valley: Advanced Cities, Trade Networks, and Engineering Mastery
Ever wondered how an ancient civilization could thrive without war? Learn the secrets of the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the most advanced and peaceful societies of the ancient world. Join us as we unravel their enigmatic writing system, ...
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Episode 21
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48:31

Rediscovering Indus: From Agricultural Roots to Trade Brilliance
What if we told you the ancient Indus Valley civilization had a trade network as sophisticated as a modern-day global economy? On this episode of the History of Money, Banking, and Trade podcast, we unravel the secrets of the Harappans, who flo...
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Episode 20
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36:15

Episode 19. Ancient Civilizations Entwined: Trade, War, and Culture in Nubia and Egypt
How did ancient Egypt and Nubia influence each other's rise and fall? Join me, Mike D, as we explore the turbulent histories of these two great civilizations on this episode of the History of Money, Banking, and Trade podcast. We begin by exami...
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Episode 19
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1:12:16

Episode 18. Ancient Nubia Unveiled: Pyramids, Trade Marvels, and Strategic Mastery
Did you know that Nubia had nearly twice as many pyramids as Egypt? Join me, Mike D, on an unforgettable journey through the ancient civilization of Nubia, a land that played a crucial role in shaping the trade networks of Northern and Eastern ...
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Episode 18
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59:25

Episode 17. Ancient Commerce under the Pharaohs - From Greek Influence to Cleopatra's Reign
Embark with us on a historical odyssey that brings to light the economic transformation of ancient Egypt, a narrative woven through the actions of legendary figures and the dynamic shifts in trade and currency. Our exploration opens with the ar...
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Episode 17
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1:18:07
