Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fight as a gladiator in Ancient Rome? What about life as a small business shop owner on a Crusades route? An artisan in Han Dynasty China? A seamstress during the French Revolution? What was life like for these workers and others like them? Welcome to Working Over Time, the show where we walk in the shoes of everyday workers, artisans, scientists, teachers, and tradespeople, tracking how economic systems shape and reshape societies, and are shaped by them. Each week, join me, Dr. Karen Bellinger - anthropologist, historical archaeologist and wannabe time traveler - and my guests -  historians, archaeologists, and other experts, as we examine how we work, explore the sometimes surprising origins of modern commerce systems, and even peek at the future technologies and systems that could change everything yet again. Listen & subscribe to Working Over Time on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart Radio. New episodes out every Friday! For show updates and more fun content, be sure to follow @WorkingOverTimeSeries on Instagram.