by Infamous_Sympathy_91
Interest rates and the exchange rate are two of the most important economic indicators. The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful empires in history, and its currency was highly influential. From 210 BC to AD 350, the average interest rate was 14%. However, there were periods of high inflation, as evidenced by the rapid increase in denarius per oz. of gold from 10 to 100 over just a few years (-30 to 150). This would have made borrowing very expensive for consumers and businesses alike.