The history of banking dates back to ancient civilizations, where merchants would store grain and other valuables for safekeeping. The first known banks emerged in Mesopotamia around 2000 BCE, where temples and palaces acted as secure places for deposits. Over time, banking evolved, with the establishment of moneylenders in Greece and Rome, who provided loans and facilitated trade. During the Middle Ages, banking practices expanded in Italy, leading to the rise of prominent banking families like the Medici. The invention of banknotes in the 17th century further transformed banking, making transactions easier. Today, banks play a crucial role in the global economy, offering various financial services.