Episode 8. Journey Through Mesopotamia: The Neo-Babylonians, Silver Economies, and the Maturation of Ancient Trade Systems
12/19/23 • 35 min
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 became the de facto medium of exchange? Let's journey together through the rise of the Neo-Babylonian period. We'll challenge conventional wisdom by questioning the controversial barter system in ancient societies, and track the shift to silver payments as a cornerstone of economies. Be prepared to challenge your understanding of how hired labor, payment in silver, and the monetization of goods and services shaped not just Mesopotamian economies, but influenced global economic systems. So, buckle up for a deep dive into the riveting world of ancient trade and money systems!
To support the podcast through Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HistoryOfMoneyBankingTrade
Visit us at https://moneybankingtrade.com/
Visit us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MoneyBankingTrade
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 became the de facto medium of exchange? Let's journey together through the rise of the Neo-Babylonian period. We'll challenge conventional wisdom by questioning the controversial barter system in ancient societies, and track the shift to silver payments as a cornerstone of economies. Be prepared to challenge your understanding of how hired labor, payment in silver, and the monetization of goods and services shaped not just Mesopotamian economies, but influenced global economic systems. So, buckle up for a deep dive into the riveting world of ancient trade and money systems!
To support the podcast through Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HistoryOfMoneyBankingTrade
Visit us at https://moneybankingtrade.com/
Visit us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MoneyBankingTrade
Previous Episode
Episode 7. Swords and Silver: The Assyrian Empire’s Legacy of Trade and Warfare
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 gears to examine the rise of the Assyrian Empire and the evolution of one of the most powerful armies of the ancient world. We promise to unveil the ingenious strategies employed by King Tiglath-Pileser III that made silver the primary currency of the realm. Marvel at how this ancient society managed to exact tribute from its neighboring kingdoms, while also juggling food shortages and mandatory military service. And if you thought Ashurbanipal was just a typical Assyrian king, think again. He was also a scholar who led military conquests but more importantly his role in stabilizing the region will leave you astounded.
Lastly, we put the spotlight on the crucial role of trade and communication during the Assyrian Empire. Discover how envoys and efficient communication networks helped maintain control over vassal states, and how trade avenues were safeguarded through embargoes and military personnel. This exploration of the Assyrian Empire, culminating in its fall in 612 BCE, will leave you with a deeper understanding of this influential period in history, and the significant contributions the Assyrians made to the Mesopotamian region. So, buckle up and let's traverse the annals of history together!
To support the podcast through Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HistoryOfMoneyBankingTrade
Visit us at https://moneybankingtrade.com/
Visit us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MoneyBankingTrade
Next Episode
Episode 9. The Spectacle of Babylonian Power and the Intrigue of Economic Mastery
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 we recount Samar-suma-ukin rebellion against his brother, Ashurbanipal, unraveling a history fraught with alliances and betrayals.
Venture into the vibrant economic life of ancient Babylon, where trade routes were arteries of prosperity and temples doubled as commercial hubs. We'll sift through the economic fabric woven by Nebobalassar and Nebuchadnezzar II, spotlighting their diplomatic prowess that led to cultural assimilation and robust trade networks. Grapple with the enigma of the Hanging Gardens, scrutinize the market regulations by historical figures like Nabonidus, and marvel at the astronomical diaries that recorded market fluctuations with celestial precision. It's a chapter of history where economics and astrology converge, offering a glimpse into the minds of ancient scholars who documented their world with a meticulousness that rivals modern data analysts.
Witness the dramatic fall of the Neo-Babylonian Empire as we chart the cunning of Cyrus the Great, whose conquests reshaped the map of the ancient world. Delve into the political and religious unrest that simmered in Babylon during Nabonidus's mysterious retreat to Arabia, and dissect the fateful night of Belshazzar's feast, where the writing on the wall prophesied doom. In an unprecedented move, we'll investigate Cyrus's innovative approach to the defeated Nabonidus, a strategy that would earn him the title of "the Great" and redefine the concept of victory. As we close this chapter, the echoes of ancient Mesopotamia continue to resonate, offering timeless lessons in leadership, economy, and human resilience.
To support the podcast through Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HistoryOfMoneyBankingTrade
Visit us at https://moneybankingtrade.com/
Visit us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MoneyBankingTrade
History of Money, Banking, and Trade - Episode 8. Journey Through Mesopotamia: The Neo-Babylonians, Silver Economies, and the Maturation of Ancient Trade Systems
Transcript
Welcome Podcast Listener . I am Mike D and this is the History of Money , banking and Trade Podcast . My goal is to expand your knowledge of the history and evolution of trade , along with money , banking and credit , from ancient civilizations all the way to the present .
Speaker 1Now , in the previous episodes , we discussed the early days of
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