Edict on Maximum Prices, 301 CE
I ran across this today. Interesting how "modern" solutions to economic problems occur over and over again. This article on the Emporer Diocletian covers how he tried to fix Rome's economic problems by printing (coins actually) money and fixing wages and prices. The result was wider inflation, lack of goods for sale, and riots.
Over the years many societies have had serious economic troubles (and often vanished, were conquered, or at least had their governments disrupted) that came directly from fighting a debased currency. Interesting also how often they try to fight a worsening currency by inflationary means, like creating more currency.
So how are we today any different?
