The History of Work: How Long Would You Actually Last?

Could you survive the economy of every era in history? From processing bison in the Stone Age to collecting your pay in Ancient Rome, surviving medieval harvests, and working inside an Industrial Revolution factory, this journey puts you in the shoes of an ordinary person trying to make a living. SOURCES & FURTHER READING The Lifeways of Hunter-Gatherers — Robert L. Kelly Prehistoric hunting, food sharing, and survival. The Roman Army at War, 100 BC–AD 200 — Adrian Goldsworthy Military life, organization, and the realities of serving in the Roman army. Life in a Medieval Village — Frances Gies and Joseph Gies Peasant households, farming, and obligations to landowners. The First Voyage Around the World, 1519–1522 — Antonio Pigafetta A firsthand account of Magellan’s expedition and the hardships endured at sea. The Making of the English Working Class — E. P. Thompson Working life, industrialization, and struggles for better conditions. The Color of Law — Richard Rothstein Housing segregation and unequal access to homeownership in America. The Psychology of Money — Morgan Housel Saving, uncertainty, and why financial breathing room matters.