The Fabulous History of Money

Why was the first Western coinage invented in Asia Minor in the 7th century BC? Not for trade reasons, but for the construction of new warships. The mass minting of silver coins later became the basis of Athenian naval power. But when Sparta blocked Athens' access to its silver mines, the tide turned.

In the fourth century BC, Alexander the Great conquers the treasure of the Persian Empire – for his successors the foundation for huge empires. 200 years later, Rome bases its power on captured riches from the conquered lands. But this influx of precious metal, to which the Roman Empire initially owes its fame, ultimately accelerates its downfall.