Money for Everyone

Abstract Money, a ubiquitous yet enigmatic concept, defies clear definition despite its long historical use. Naismith’s Making Money in the Early Middle Ages reveals the complexity of early medieval monetary systems, identifying three important developments in their history (the decline of Roman imperial money, the shift from gold currency in favor of silver, and the gradual rise in coin usage over the long Middle Ages). In exploring money’s symbolic and practical characteristics, the book illustrates money’s impact on social relations and hierarchies, opening the door for the human questions that carry implications for justice. By integrating distinct methodologies, the author presents a nuanced understanding of money’s significance in shaping medieval societies, offering an exemplary model for interdisciplinary scholarship.