Send us a textUnlock 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 the Great to the empire's revolutionary impact on trade and currency. Ever wondered how the Persians thrived in arid landscapes or outmaneuvered mighty Assyrian forces? Learn about their ingenious qanat system and strategic prowess that allo...

Send us a textEmbark 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 bustling hub of sea trade, setting up expansive networks across the Black Sea and laying the groundwork for the rise of Miletus as a center of commerce and learning. I share the riveting story of the Lydians' cultural exchanges with the Ionians,...

Send us a textWhat 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 Anatolia, a region rich in history and cultural exchanges with the Greeks. We venture into the depths of Göbekli Tepe, possibly the world's first temple, and discuss its significance in early human spirituality and trade. You'll gain insights in...

Send us a textCan 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 a powerhouse by overthrowing the Nanda Empire in 321 BCE. Utilizing the comprehensive Arthashastra, they crafted strategies for governance, economics, and military might that cemented their hold over one of ancient India's largest empires....

Send us a textHow 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 politically? Our exploration continues with an in-depth look at the Kuru kingdom and the migration of Indo-Iranian speaking peoples. Learn about their transition from nomadic tribes to agriculturalists, the intricate social hierarchies, and the fasc...

Send us a Text Message.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, standardized weights and measures, and extensive trade networks that connected them with distant lands like Egypt, Anatolia, China, and Mesopotamia. We'll explore the dual role their sophisticated seals played as religious symbols...

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 flourished around 3300 BCE in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. Join me, Mike D, as we journey back in time to discover the organized urban planning, central authority, and peaceful society of the Indus Valley, all without the typical hallmarks of ...

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 examining Egypt's early campaigns into Nubia, focusing on their strategic military outposts that aimed to control vital trade routes. The death of Pharaoh Amenemhat and a subsequent famine shifted Egypt's focus from conquest to trade protection, setting the ...

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 Africa. We'll explore the profound connection between Nubia and Egypt, brought to life through shared customs, gods, and architectural marvels. Despite its impressive achievements, Nubia's contributions are often eclipsed by those of its more famous nei...

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 arrival of Greek influence, spearheaded by Alexander the Great, whose vision and respect for Egyptian culture ushered in an era of prosperity and strategic trade via the bustling city of Alexandria. The city's rise as a cultural and economic powerhouse, i...

Uncover the secrets of a bygone era as we navigate the rise and subsequent eclipse of the Nubian Empire, a civilization that emerged from Egypt's weakened grasp to forge its own path of dominance. King Kashta and his descendants rose to the challenge, leaving an indelible mark on history by claiming the Egyptian throne and birthing the 25th dynasty. The tale takes a turn with the entrance of Libyan generals who, despite clinging to Egyptian traditions, could not stave off the eventual fragmen...

Embark on an extraordinary voyage back to Ancient Egypt's glorious days with us, where we promise to unveil the splendors of Amenhotep III's rule and the dramatic shifts in society and economy that followed. As we regale you with tales of Nubian conquests and diplomatic marriages during Egypt's ascendance, we'll also reflect upon the reverberations of Akhenaten's religious reforms. The monumental battles under Ramesses II's reign and the transformation of trade and currency weave a...

Step back into the sands of time with me, Mike D, as we unlock the secrets of an ancient empire's rise from the ashes. Imagine a realm where black eyeliner symbolizes not just beauty, but a complex web of trade and cultural exchange that reaches across continents. We're setting sail on a narrative journey that spans from the Theban-led reunification under Mentuhotep II to the pivotal economic transformations that forged Egypt's Middle Kingdom. You'll be captivated by stories of shipwrecked...

Embark on a time-traveling adventure with me, Mike D, as we explore the ancient economy and the enigmatic world of Egypt's Old Kingdom. Uncover the secrets behind the towering pyramids and the meticulous mummification rituals that signified the Egyptians' reverence for the afterlife. Through the lens of history, we'll understand how the Nile's seasonal floods dictated the agricultural cycles and, subsequently, the economic pulse of this early civilization. From the legendary Imhotep's...

Embark on a time-traveling adventure back to ancient Egypt, a land shrouded in myth yet foundational in developing economic systems that resonate through ages. Our exploration is not a mere recount of history but a revelation of how mythology and political power entwined to sculpt a civilization's approach to trade and governance. From the saga of gods like Osiris, Set, and Horus to the enigmatic ruler Menes, we uncover the narrative threads that bound the Upper and Lower kingdoms into a...

Unearth the secrets of a civilization that has captivated scholars and laymen alike; ancient Egypt's economy comes alive under the scrutiny of our latest episode. Prepare to be enthralled as we chart a course down the Nile, where the forces of trade, agriculture, and the enigmatic Earth's axial precession converge to shape the everyday lives and grand schemes of a society both self-reliant and outward-looking. We're not just talking about the pyramids here—this is a tale of obsidian trails...

Embark on a voyage back in time to the bustling marketplaces and grand temples of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, where commerce thrived and the stakes were as high as the ziggurats. I, Mike D, am your guide into a world where the ancient Egibi banking dynasty laid the foundations for finance centuries before the Medici ever dreamed of in Florence. We'll navigate through the rise and fall of empires, witness the rise of Cyrus the Great, and dissect the economic regulations of an era brimming with...

Embark on a historical odyssey that will redefine your understanding of ancient Mesopotamian politics and economics. I, Mike D, am your guide through a saga of kings and empires, where the mighty Assyrians and Babylonians clash, and the wisdom of Nebuchadnezzar II echoes through the ages. Together, we'll scrutinize the delicate dance of power from Esarhaddon and Sennacherib, the Assyrian juggernauts, and the internal revolts that rewrote destinies. The tale thickens with familial rivalries as...

What if you could travel back in time to witness the political turmoil and economic evolution of ancient Mesopotamia? We're pulling back the curtain on the fascinating history of the Chaldeans, whose strategic mastery over the Euphrates River trade routes catapulted them to power, only to be toppled by Babylonian kings and the formidable Assyrian empire. We're unraveling the complex tapestry of alliances and power struggles that characterized this intriguing era. Ever wondered how silver...

Ever wondered how the Neo-Assyrian Empire, infamous for its cruelty, managed to foster regional stability and boost trade? Join us as we trace the footsteps of formidable Assyrian kings, from Shamshi-Adad  and Adad-nirari II, right through to Ashurbanipal. This episode offers an insightful tour of their reigns, revealing the strategic alliances, the advent of metal money, and the subjugation of prosperous cities that crafted an empire whose imprints are still discernible today. We then shift...

Prepare to journey through the ancient sands of Mesopotamia as we uncover the rise of the city-state of Assur. The episode unfurls the grand and stirring tale of Assur's transformation under King Shamshi-Adad I, from a tiny trading outpost to a power hub in the heart of Mesopotamia. Are you ready to explore the king's triumphant reign, ambitious construction projects, and the financial innovations that facilitated an explosive expansion in long-distance trade?  We'll also meet Ahana, a...

Have you ever wondered how the Assyrian Empire, famed for its brutality, was also one of the world's first economic powerhouses? Prepare to be taken on a riveting journey back in time to the evolution of trade and money in the ancient world. From the Greek mercenary army's shock at finding abandoned cities to the groundbreaking shift from cuneiform to parchment writing, we unravel a fascinating aspect of Assyrian progressiveness, contradicting their notorious reputation. In this episode, we...

Step back in time with us to the Old Babylonian Empire, where the framework for modern commerce and finance was first established. We'll examine Hammurabi's pivotal role, his laws aiming to protect his people while also outlining the rudimentary principles of trade and money. From laws preserving slavery to harsh penal codes for stolen goods, we'll unveil the fascinating, often harsh, realities of ancient Mesopotamian society. Those intrigued by the birth of banking will appreciate the...

Ready to journey back in time and uncover the secrets of ancient Babylon? What if I told you that there's a thread connecting the financial systems of this ancient city to today's economic norms? This episode takes you on a captivating exploration of Babylon, from its humble beginnings as a village to its peak as an economic and regional powerhouse. We delve into the dynamics of Babylonian society, the transformation under Hammurabi’s reign, and the critical role of Nippur, an influential...