How The Opium Trade Destroyed China’s Greatest Empire | Empires Of Silver

It's hard to believe but silver was at one time worth more than gold. China used silver as their currency and the West had to pay in silver for Chinese goods. This angered the British and so they sought a commodity that the Chinese would be forced to buy. China did not covet any goods that the West had except one: Opium. Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 💚

In 1581, China's Emperor sparked a global demand for silver, changing the course of history forever. This was how Spain's silver trade with China shaped the New World, funding America's Industrial Revolution and driving the growth of cities worldwide. Uncover the conflicts and consequences as silver becomes both a source of power and a catalyst for China's 'century of humiliation.' Join us on a journey that reveals the intricate connections between China and the rest of the world.

Just east of the San Francisco Bay Area are the Berkeley Hills Walls--remnants of a massive, stone wall that stretches a distance of over fifty miles. The wall segments are up to six feet high in some places and are constructed of tightly fit limestone boulders. Scott is in intrigued by the fact that nobody knows who built the wall or even what purpose it serves. The only historical precedent for a miles-long, manmade, ancient wall is the Great Wall of China. Could ancient Asiatic explorers have made it all the way to the North American West Coast? In investigating the theory, Scott uncovers other evidence that could suggest the Chinese with their massive maritime fleet made it to the New World, using maps that were in the possession of Kublai Khan. He also discovers evidence that European explorers knew about China's epic voyages, including Italian explorer Marco Polo. 💚 Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 📺 You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for

In Ancient China, the greatest status symbol in the world was a fine jade suit. Discover the world of China's elites and the grave goods they saught to accompany them into the afterlife. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

The Great Wall is one of the world's wonders and perhaps the greatest ancient monument ever created. Journey along the length of this incredible feat of engineering and discover how these impressive fortifications made the China we know today. Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

The history of the Roman Empire is written in blood and conquest, but few chapters are as intense or shocking as the Celtic uprising led by Queen Boudica. In the first century, British society was thriving with advanced ironwork, vibrant clothing, and a culture that saw women warriors as equals to men. However, the arrival of Emperor Claudius and his ruthless legions changed everyday life forever. After the death of her husband, corrupt Roman officials seized Boudica's kingdom, subjected the queen to public torture, and assaulted her daughters. This monumental betrayal sparked one of the most violent rebellions in ancient history. Witness the terrifying revenge of the Iceni tribe as they united to burn prominent Roman cities to the ground, taking no prisoners in their path. We examine the tactical genius of the Roman military, the horrific final battle that ended the Celtic dream of freedom, and the true story of a legendary warrior who pushed the world's greatest superpower to the absolute brink. 💚 Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 📺 You can