Bank

The word "bank" comes from Italy, and its history is far more intriguing than it seems. In medieval times, money changers and financiers sat at wooden tables – called "banco" – in the bustling market squares of Italian cities. They exchanged money, issued loans, and engaged in financial dealings while merchants bartered and coins clinked all around.

But if a money changer fell into debt and couldn’t repay, his table was literally broken into pieces – "banca rotta", or "broken bench." This is where the word "bankrupt" comes from, a nightmare for any businessman.

Over time, banks evolved from simple benches into massive financial empires, controlling capital, credit, and entire economies.

Maybe these empires will soon be replaced by DeFi and DAOs?