How a Silver Coin Killed the Roman Empire

For two centuries, Rome printed its way into collapse. The denarius — once 95% silver — fell to just 5%, triggering hyperinflation, military breakdown, trade collapse, black markets, and the rise of barbarian mercenaries who would one day sack the Eternal City.

In this deep-dive, I break down the real reason Rome fell — not barbarians, not decadence, but a complete destruction of its currency. This is the story of how emperors from Nero to Diocletian debased Roman money until the economy imploded.

You’ll learn:
– How the denarius was slowly destroyed
– Why debasement triggered hyperinflation
– How Rome’s army became loyal to whoever paid them
– Why Diocletian’s price controls caused mass shortages
– How Constantine tried (and failed) to save the system
– Why this historical pattern looks terrifyingly familiar today

If you care about history, economics, or the future of money — this is essential watching.
Subscribe for more Roman Empire deep dives and historical warnings.

00:00 – When Money Dies: The Coin That Broke an Empire
01:12 – Rome’s Silver Promise: How the Denarius Built a World Power
03:04 – Nero’s Big Mistake: The First Debasement
05:02 – The Slow Collapse: Emperors Who Hollowed Out Roman Money
06:41 – Crisis of the Third Century: 26 Emperors, 50 Years
08:15 – Hyperinflation Hits Rome: Prices Explode Overnight
10:11 – The Army Turns: Soldiers Paid in Worthless Coins
12:00 – Trade Breakdown & Diocletian’s Price Control Disaster
14:25 – Constantine’s Gold Fix & the Two-Tier Economy
16:08 – The Real Fall of Rome & The Warning for Modern America
18:10 – Final Thoughts: History Doesn’t Repeat, But It Rhymes