
About this episode
Just over 1,000 years ago, Sichuan in southwest China issued the world’s first officially backed paper money. Today, we’ll talk about what local conditions spurred this financial revolution, and how traders were able to cash in on the innovation.
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Context publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Context

Bao Zheng: China’s Symbol of Justice
The Context
Sep 1, 202617:17pending

The Blood, the Tears, and the Fortune: China’s Southern Exodus
The Context
Aug 25, 202615:57pending

Luoyang Bridge: The Ancient Stone Giant That Defied the Tides
The Context
Aug 18, 202615:15pending

A Temple Built on a Miracle: The Living History of Kaiyuan Temple
The Context
Aug 11, 202617:39pending