Ethiopia's Salt and Gold Standard: The Qiror Currency
From Ethiopia's Ancient Empire: Africa's Hidden Superpower — Fexingo History · 8:46
Show by Fexingo
While we often discuss Ethiopia’s military victories at Adwa or the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, its economic resilience was built on a unique monetary system that baffled colonial economists. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Ethiopian pound, the Maria Theresa Thaler, and the indigenous Qiror unit that kept the empire solvent during times of isolation. We dive into the intricate salt-and-gold trade routes that connected Aksum to the Red Sea, the role of Beta Israel artisans in minting currency, and how Emperor Menelik II used financial diplomacy to navigate the Scramble for Africa. This isn't just about money; it’s about how a pre-modern African state maintained sovereignty through sophisticated banking practices, including the famous cliffside monasteries that served as treasuries. You will hear about the Geza Magonna, the silver standards that underpinned regional trade, and why foreign bankers struggled to penetrate Ethiopia’s closed but robust economy. Join us as we uncover the hidden ledger of an empire that refused to be colonized. #EthiopianHistory #AksumEmpire #QirorCurrency #MariaTheresaThaler #MenelikII #GezaMagonna #BetaIsrael #SaltTrade #GoldStandard #EastAfricaHistory #AbyssinianEconomy #ColonialismInAfrica #MedievalBanking #RedSeaTrade #HabeshaCulture #FexingoHistory #PreColonialAfrica #HistoryPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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