Discover how Roman merchants established the world's first interconnected economy through the Silk Road trade network, creating parallels to today's digital marketplaces and forever changing global commerce.
Explore the environmental challenges that contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire, including climate change and pandemics like the Antonine Plague, which weakened its economic and military stability.
The evolution of Roman coinage marks a pivotal development in ancient economic history. Originating in the late 4th century BCE, Roman coins, such as the silver denarius, became fundamental to the empire's financial system. These coins were instrumental in transitioning from cumbersome barter systems to efficient monetary transactions.
The Silk Road stands as a monumental network of trade routes, pivotal in connecting China and the Far East with the Middle East and Europe. Established during the Han Dynasty in 130 B.C., it remained in use until A.D. 1453, profoundly impacting commerce and cultural exchange.
