In the fourth session we look at how public finance was taken over by oligarchs and how Sparta’s last kings tried and failed at reform. This closes our discussion of Greece as the spotlight turns on a much bigger predator – Rome.
Again we try to apply David Graeber’s framework from Debt – The first 5000 years (mainly chapter 5 and chapter 9 – if anybody wants to check their notes).
Suggested reading is the summery doc:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BrkeryoR_-gqstFs0WlIBhAFj3pzPwocS4HZBEcGtFI/edit?usp=sharing
Suggested further reading are chapters six, seven and eight.
The goal is to have a lively discussion – bring your favorite passage!
Reading materials and more are available in the “The Origins of Modern Debt Politics in Greece & Rome” room. The link is on the right or otherwise closeby depending on the size of your screen.