TRADE IN ANCIENT GREECE
Trade was a fundamental aspect of Ancient Greek society. Following territorial expansion, an increase in population and new modes of transport, goods could be bought, sold, and exchanged in the Mediterranean, far from their region of origin.
Food, raw materials and manufactured goods such as fabrics and jewelry were made available to the Greeks. They also exported goods themselves, such as wine, olives and pottery, and both earned a large sum of wealth in return and spread the Greek culture further than the Mediterranean.
The Greeks are known to have set up a trade route between Egypt, Asia Minor (the Asian part of turkey), Cylcades and islands of their own such as Crete and Cyprus. Precious goods such as gold, copper, ivory, and precious gems were also goods that were exchanged.
When coins were exchanged a test cut was often done to the coin to ensure that it was genuine silver, copper, gold etc.
Above: The silk trade route in Ancient Greece
Food, raw materials and manufactured goods such as fabrics and jewelry were made available to the Greeks. They also exported goods themselves, such as wine, olives and pottery, and both earned a large sum of wealth in return and spread the Greek culture further than the Mediterranean.
The Greeks are known to have set up a trade route between Egypt, Asia Minor (the Asian part of turkey), Cylcades and islands of their own such as Crete and Cyprus. Precious goods such as gold, copper, ivory, and precious gems were also goods that were exchanged.
When coins were exchanged a test cut was often done to the coin to ensure that it was genuine silver, copper, gold etc.
Above: The silk trade route in Ancient Greece