Mountain That Eats Men

"e;The Mountain That Eats Men - The mine that funded the Spanish Empire and killed millions"e; explores the dark history of Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain) in Potosi, Bolivia. Discovered in 1545, this single mountain produced an estimated 60% of all the silver in the world during the 16th and 17th centuries. It made Spain the superpower of Europe and fueled the global economy, including China's demand for silver. Historian Maria Oren details the human cost. The Spanish forced indigenous people (the "e;mitayo"e;) and African slaves to work in the mines in horrific conditions. The mercury used to refine the silver poisoned the air and water, turning Potosi into a "e;mouth of hell."e; It is estimated that up to eight million people died in the mines over three centuries. "e;The Mountain That Eats Men"e; connects the coins in our pockets to this tragedy. It argues that the modern global economy was born in the darkness of Potosi, built on a foundation of silver and blood.