
Silver Mines of Potosi
From History Dispatches by Matt and McKinley Breen
April 29, 2026 · 17 min · Season 2 · Episode 143
About this episode
This episode explores the historical significance of the silver mines in Potosi and their impact on the world economy.
In 1545, the discovery of silver at the small South American village of Potosi would change the world. Over the next quarter of a century, 150,000 tons of silver would be extracted from the Potosi mines, and silver would fuel Spain’s enormous empire - and facilitate the globalization of the world’s economy. This is the story of the Silver Mines of Potosi. Sponsor Go to factormeals.com/dispatchespod50off to get 50 percent off and free daily greens per box. New subscribers only. While supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details). History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Hosts: Matt Breen, McKinley Breen
Topics covered
- silver mining
- Potosi
- Spanish Empire
- globalization
- economic history
Keywords
- silver
- Potosi
- mines
- Spain
- globalization
- economy
- history
Sponsors
Factor Meals
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Spain, Airwave Media Network
Products: Factor Meals
Places: Potosi
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