This video is about the history of money from barter trading systen to Bitcoin. How money works is also explained.<br /><br />Barter system , Commodity money , Metallic money , Paper money , Digital money<br />Entire Money History Documentary by Mr How<br /><br />The Evolution of Money<br />Money, by definition, represents something of value. Over the past 10,000 years, its forms have undergone remarkable transformations—from cattle and cowrie shells to modern cryptocurrencies and digital payments. Let’s explore the fascinating journey of money through history.<br /><br />The Barter System: The Dawn of Trade<br />Barter, the earliest form of trade, involved the direct exchange of goods and services for mutual benefit. This practice dates back tens of thousands of years, possibly to the dawn of human civilization. Interestingly, some argue that bartering isn't exclusive to humans—symbiotic relationships in nature, like those between plants and animals, reflect similar exchanges. Even today, barter remains a practical system, used by individuals, organizations, and governments as an alternative to monetary transactions.<br /><br />2500 BC: The Emergence of Commodity Money<br />As societies advanced, they began to use commodities with intrinsic value as a medium of exchange. Barley, wool, and silver were among the first forms of commodity money. In different regions, unique items served this purpose—ancient Greeks traded with oxen, Sri Lankans valued elephants, Brunei used human skulls, and some Pacific islands even relied on large stones.<br /><br />800 BC: The Invention of Coins<br />The introduction of coinage marked a significant milestone. Coins, initially lumps of silver, evolved into round, stamped pieces to indicate authenticity and value. These first appeared in Lydia (modern-day Turkey) and quickly spread across civilizations such as the Greeks, Persians, Macedonians, and Romans. Unlike Chinese coins, which were made from base metals, these coins utilized precious metals like gold, silver, and bronze, making them inherently valuable.<br /><br />1279 AD: The Rise of Paper Money<br />The Mongol Yuan Dynasty, under the rule of Kublai Khan, pioneered paper currency called chao. This innovation spread to Persia, where it was known as djaou. Marco Polo, during his 17-year stay at Kublai Khan's court, was astonished by the concept of paper money backed by the government—a revolutionary idea for its time.<br /><br />1816–1930: The Era of the Gold Standard<br />In 1816, England adopted the gold standard, linking the value of currency to a fixed quantity of gold. This system ensured stability and curbed inflation by regulating the production of paper money. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s destabilized economies worldwide, leading to the eventual abandonment of the gold standard.<br /><br />1980s: The Age of Digital Money<br />The 1980s introduced digital money, marking a new chapter in the history of currency. Digital money exists solely in electronic form, unlike physical cash or coins. Transactions occur through online systems, enabling efficient, global
