I've just joined this forum. I am constructing a database of European history from Constantine the Great to the present day, and am making a rather dodgy entry that I would like some help on. It concerns the role of temples asd financial centres. As I understand it, Constantine started to seize the assets of temples in 331. I've written in my notes:
" Assets were seized from temples, especially in Rome, and therefore from its citizens. Temples were the banks and exchanges of the empire, the heart of finance and the economy. Seizing their assets broke the economy, but was a bonanza for the state. "
This may be nonsense, as I haven't read any scholarly articles on this, but would appreciate any comments, criticisms or amendments.
Thanks.
