There was a huge Dutch tulip bulb mania back in 
the mid 16th century.  Prices for the most sought-
after variety of tulip bulbs could equal the cost 
of an entire house.  Lots of speculators and 
investors bought up tulip bulbs solely for the 
opportunity to resell the and get rich.

Eventually, in the early 17th century, people 
began to realize that the prices of tulips were 
insane, and the demand dropped sharply.  Many 
prominent merchants and tulip investors were 
financially ruined when the market collapsed.