Before Money

Hands offering apples and bread for an agreed swap. AI-generated illustration, not a photograph of a historical object or event.

People have exchanged goods and services in many ways.

A farmer has apples. A baker has bread. They can swap if both agree. This is called barter. People have also used gifts, promises and credit. Money did not appear in one single way everywhere.

Trade depends on finding someone who wants what you offer.

Try it

Invent a fair trade with a friend. You can point, draw, type or use your communication tool.

Choose a practical challenge

Point to two things people could swap.

Discovery challenge

Why can swapping be difficult?

Sources for grown-ups

Bank of England: How has money changed over time?