Origins of Banking explores the evolution of financial institutions, tracing their development from ancient storage systems to today’s complex global networks. It reveals how banking, far from being a series of isolated events, is a continuous response to societal needs for trade, resource management, and economic growth. Intriguingly, early forms of banking involved temples and landowners acting as safe havens for valuables, highlighting the deep historical roots of financial stewardship.
The book sheds light on the rise of private banking during the Roman Empire, where services like money lending and currency exchange first emerged. The book progresses chronologically, beginning with Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, moving through the Roman Empire, and then focusing on the medieval period with the rise of influential banking families like the Medici. It then concludes with the evolution of modern banking practices like the creation of central banks.
By examining archaeological findings, ancient legal codes, and archival records, Origins of Banking provides a fact-based analysis of banking practices and their profound impact on economic history. This comprehensive overview is valuable for students of finance, history, and economics, offering a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our modern financial world.
