CD72 The Journey of Money

Dr. Engel discusses the invention of money 3000 years ago and how the ancient Greeks and Romans turned it into the cash we know today. He traces its fascinating journey -- from where and why it was first invented, to how it developed, to what its future might be. Using anecdotes, analysis, and large doses of humor, Professor Engel brings to life this most universal of topics. 56 minutes.

In this program, you will learn the answers to the following questions:

• What were the two earlier systems of exchange before money? Why didn't they endure?

• Where does the slang word "buck" for the dollar come from?

• Why was gold chosen as the preferred metal for trade?

• Where do the terms "rich as Croesus" and "face value" come from?

• Why did the ancient Lydians put ridges on the edges of some coins -- a practice still done on some of today's coins?

• Why did the invention of dice closely follow the invention of the coin?

• Why did the description of money change from "tribute" to "currency" (keeping the river imagery)?

• How did the term "money" come to be? What is its strange meaning in Latin?

• Which country invented paper money?