Last week the European Central Bank opted to leave interest rates on hold, amid financial market volatility that has fuelled further concern about eurozone growth prospects.

But Professor emeritus at UNSW Australia, Robert Marks argues the seeds of the current eurozone woes were first sown as far back as three decades ago.

Drawing from a timeline he has been keeping for seven years, Prof Marks nominates 15 important events - including some very current ones - that chart the journey of the eurozone.

Robert Marks does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above.