Commodity market in Sumer between 4500 BC and 4000 BC. Sumerians first used clay tokens sealed in a clay vessel, then clay writing tablets to represent the amount—for example, the number of goats, to be delivered. These promises of time and date of delivery resemble futures contract. Early civilizations variously used pigs, rare seashells, or other items as commodity money. Since that time traders have sought ways to simplify and standardize trade contracts. Gold and silver markets evolved in classical civilizations. At first the precious metals were valued for their beauty and intrinsic worth and were associated with royalty. In time, they
Aurum (liqueur) Aurum (liqueur) Aurum is a sweet Italian liqueur produced in Pescara since 1925. It is 40% alcohol by volume and it is made from brandy and citrus fruit infusion. It goes well with sweets, especially with "parrozzo", another specialty of Pescara. Other than as a drink, it is often used as a cake ingredient or as an addition to ice-cream. The name of this liqueur was chosen by Amedeo Pomilio, the founder of the Aurum factory, upon suggestion by the poet and writer Gabriele D'Annunzio, with a reference to the ancient Roman origins of the recipe. The name derives from