The Development of Money and Money

Sumerian rulers raised taxes and imposed fines, using silver now. With the shekel, they were able to set some fixed prices on goods. Around the same time, Egypt begins using a similar system, using copper and gold. Money made it easier for the administration of society to function. Rulers had a keen interest in spreading the concept of money. They also had an interest in sanctifying it. The development of interest likely accelerated the gap between rich and poor. But it also may have led to investments in new technologies, like the wheel and bronze.