[hnick]

I enjoyed that book. I think another key point is it wasn't just uprisings, back in the day people literally fled to the hills out of the city to avoid their debts.

Not only did this lead to bands of outlaws roaming the countryside (and eventually posing a risk to the cities), it meant that cities lost a sizable part of their labour force and were unable to function as well.

Hence jubilees to let off steam and forgive all debt, welcoming people back into the cities every 7 years or so.