The Fabulous History of Money

Gold, silver, bronze or paper: money tells the story of 2,700 years of human history. An essential tool for trade and a symbol of power, it fuelled the expansion of empires and changed the course of civilisations. From ancient cowrie shells to the rise of the first banknotes and cryptocurrencies, this four-part series uncovers the role of money in history.

From ancient Greece to modern-day America, this documentary series explores the role of money in history. Episode two: from the 4th century BC onwards, the great powers that were empires used money to service their expansion. This new era began with the adventure of one man, Alexander the Great, who plundered the immense treasures of Persia.

Money has changed the course of civilisations across the ages. Episode three: In China, it all began in the tombs of great figures around five thousand years ago - cowries (small seashells) were placed there, and today they can be found in their thousands. These were the ancestors of Chinese coins, which first appeared in the 7th century BCE.

How did Europe and America begin using paper money? In 1688 the Bill of Rights offered a new status to the Bank of England, according it the privilege of issuing banknotes backed by its hold and silver reserves.