ARGENTARIUS is a Latin term that refers to a banker or a moneylender in ancient Rome. The word "argentarius" is derived from the Latin word "argentum," which means silver or money. In the Roman society, argentarii played a crucial role in the financial sector, facilitating the lending and borrowing of money.
An argentarius typically acted as a middleman between individuals seeking loans and those with surplus funds to lend. These individuals included wealthy Romans, foreign merchants, or even the Roman state itself. They would provide loans to a borrower in exchange for interest, thereby earning a profit from the transaction. As the financial system grew more complex, argentarii often diversified their services, offering other financial products like deposits, safekeeping of assets, and even exchange of foreign currencies.
Furthermore, argentarii were known to conduct their business from specific establishments known as argentariae. These were workshops or shops located in commercial areas that operated as private banks. Here, individuals could deposit their money for safekeeping, withdraw funds, exchange currencies, or seek loans.
The role of argentarii was crucial in financing commerce, trade, and other economic activities in ancient Rome. They played a significant role in facilitating economic growth by providing individuals or businesses with the necessary capital to invest in their ventures. Their existence demonstrates the development of sophisticated financial systems and the importance of credit in ancient Roman society.
