We are going through a tumultuous economic period. Amid financial crises and the omnipresent importance of money, a question arises: who invented this formidable and dangerous tool that humanity so desires?
Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization, did not have money as we understand it today. The ancient Mesopotamians used a rather archaic payment system, which nonetheless endured for a long time. It wasn't precious metal coins—gold, silver, or even copper—as we have discovered through archaeology. The so-called "money" of ancient Mesopotamia was actually silver ingots, stamped with a mark to identify their owner.
It wasn't until the 6th century BCE that the first true money appeared. Its inventor was a ruler of the kingdom of Lydia (in present-day western Turkey) named Alyattes (610–560 BCE). This king invented money as a simpler, more precise, and safer way to facilitate trade, wages, and offerings. However, his monetary genius was overshadowed by his son, the very famous Croesus. Croesus is best known for his extraordinary wealth. His court in Sardis hosted the greatest thinkers and artists of his time, and Croesus shone over the ancient world.
Feared for his power, he was also admired for his generosity, made possible by his immense riches. He notably financed the reconstruction of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and made countless offerings to the sanctuary of Delphi. Two modern expressions are attributed to Croesus: "Rich as Croesus," referring to his colossal wealth, and "Striking it rich," referring to the Pactolus River, rich in gold, from which the Lydian rulers derived their wealth. One could also add "Money can't buy happiness, but it contributes to it," in reference to the intervention of the Greek legislator and intellectual Solon, who, upon seeing Croesus's treasure, prophesied: "Call no man happy until he is dead." Indeed, defeated by the great Cyrus, king of the Persians, Croesus paid for his arrogance toward the Great King by being condemned to die on a great pyre. Finally understanding the words of the old Greek philosopher, Croesus allegedly exclaimed: "Oh Solon, Solon!" This utterance, noticed by Cyrus, saved his life: once he explained to the victor what made him speak thus, Cyrus, struck by the instability of human affairs, granted him the right to live. He kept him by his side as a counselor and friend, even trusting him.
This brings me to this quote from the famous Socrates: "A treasury of good maxims is a better possession than a treasure of gold."
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