Economies Beyond Agriculture in the Classical World (Leicester-Nottingham Studies in Ancient Society) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0415212537 ISBN 13: 9780415212533

Publisher: Routledge, 2000

Synopsis

This book presents a challenge to the long held view that the predominantly agricultural economies of ancient Greece and Rome were underdeveloped. It shows that the exploitation of natural resources, manufacturing and the building trade all made significant contributions to classical economies. It will be an indispensable resource for those interested in the period.

About this title

Review

'This collection of papers is an important and valuable attempt to set them [discussions] off in the right direction, containing more intereting material and anaylsis than I can cover here. I recommend it warmly.' - Classical Review

Synopsis

Economies Beyond Agriculture in the Classical World presents a challenge to the long-held view that the predominantly agricultural economies of ancient Greece and Rome were underdeveloped. This is achieved through investigating the economic significance of non-agricultural production - the extractive industries, the exploitation of natural resources, manufacturing and the building trade. Integrating historical, archaeological and theoretical perspectives, the contributors offer new insights into key economic concepts such as growth in the ancient economy, providing quantitative data wherever possible. One of the volumes' most exciting arguments is for recognition of the significant differences between the economies of the Greek city states and the Roman empire, with the latter having much greater potential for growth. This landmark study moves the debate on from the seminal work of Moses Finley on the ancient economy, while demonstrating how his views fit into the new evidence and approaches now being explored. It will be an indispensable resource for everyone who wants to understand the true nature of the economy in the classical period.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0415212537
• ISBN 13: 9780415212533
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 340
• Editor: Mattingly David J., Salmon John