A History of Corporations

The first documented "corporation" in Ancient Rome emerged during the Roman Republic (6th to 1st century BC) with evidence suggesting large firms with publicly traded shares. While not identical to modern corporations, these entities were essentially shareholder-based businesses, indicating a form of corporate structure existed in early Roman times. The development of the corporation paved the way for the creation of an entirely new class of citizen: the capitalist. While there have always been rich people, the corporation provided a new way for the rich to grow richer. Instead of hoarding their wealth or spending it on luxuries and riotous living, the rich could instead invest it in a company. As shareholders in a corporation, they could then sit back and watch their investment grow, day in and day out, all through the labors of others, with little to no input from themselves. This marked a sea change in the nature of business. Now it's YOUR turn! www.SageIntl.com