Economic Exchange in Athens in the time of Pericles : 3D Gallery

Fragment of an Athenian Tribute List, 448/7 BC. (British Museum)

Brief Description: Fragment of a
marble Greek inscription that is broken. Accounts of the Hellenotamiae (tribute
list) for the year 448/7 BC recording contributions by four cities to the
Delian/Athenian League.

Evidence provided about economic exchange: The
fragment of an Athenian Tribute List from 448/7 BC provides insights into the
Athenian economy during the height of the Delian League's power. It reveals the
structure of the tribute payments imposed by Athens on its allies,
demonstrating the economic dominance Athens had in the Aegean region. The
tribute list illustrates the reliance of Athens on these payments, highlighting
the importance of these contributions to the maintenance of its naval power and
the funding of public projects, including the construction of structures such
as the Parthenon. The fragment serves as evidence of Athens' economic
strategies in consolidating power and exerting influence over the Aegean. It
also hints at the economic pressures that may have been placed on smaller
states, contributing to historical understanding of the tensions within the
Delian League.

"The strength of Athens being derived from the money brought by their payments”, (Thucydides)

Brief Description: This highlights the pivotal role of financial
resources in fueling the strength and influence of ancient Athens. It suggests
that Athens' power was closely linked to the revenues it received.

Evidence provided about economic exchange: This
statement from Thucydides suggests that the strength of Athens was closely tied
to the money it received through payments. In the context of ancient Athens,
this refers to the economic significance of tribute payments from the Delian
League, an alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens during the 5th century
BCE. Athens used this money to strengthen its naval power, expand its
influence, and develop its economy. It is implied that Athens' economic
prosperity and military power depended heavily on the financial resources it
garnered through its leadership in the Delian League.

Set of official standard bronze weights.

Brief Description: These weights
typically took the form of small, often intricately crafted objects made of
bronze. They were designed to represent specific units of measurement, such as
drachmae or talents, and were used to ensure fairness and accuracy in trade.

Evidence it provided about economic exchange: Bronze weights from ancient Athens provide valuable
insights into economic exchange within the city-state. These weights were used
to measure and standardise the value of goods and commodities exchanged in
markets and trade transactions. The existence of standardised weights indicates
a sophisticated system of commerce and trade regulation in ancient Athens. The
use of bronze weights suggests a level of organization and consistency in
economic transactions, enabling fair and efficient trade among merchants and
consumers. It also implies the existence of marketplaces where goods were
bought and sold according to established weights and measures, contributing to
the development of a thriving economy.

"In one and the same place you will find all kinds of things for sale together at Athens”. (Euboulos – Ancient Comedian)

Brief Description: It encapsulates
the diversity of commerce in ancient Athens.
that within the city, markets were bustling hubs where a wide variety of
goods and commodities were readily available for purchase.

Evidence provided about economic exchange: The
statement suggests that goods were easily accessible to the Athenian
population. Having all kinds of goods available in one place would have made it
convenient for residents to purchase what they needed without having to travel
far. It implies that Athens had centralized markets where a wide variety of
goods were available for sale. This indicates a level of market integration,
where merchants from different backgrounds and regions came together to trade
their goods. The statement highlights the
vibrancy and complexity of economic exchange in ancient Athens, depicting it as
a bustling marketplace where a wide array of goods was bought and sold,
contributing to the city's economic growth and cultural richness.

silver coin from Athens

Brief Description: Coins in
ancient Athens were an essential aspect of the city-state's economy and trade.
These coins were typically made of precious metals like silver, and
occasionally gold, and were minted with specific designs and inscriptions.

Evidence provided about economic exchange: The
use of coins in ancient Athens suggests a standardised system of currency. This
standardisation facilitated trade by providing a universally recognised medium
of exchange, allowing for smoother transactions both domestically and in
international trade. Athenian
coins were circulated widely beyond the city-state's borders, indicating
extensive trade networks and economic connections with other regions. The use
of Athenian coins in trade transactions with other city-states and foreign
powers underscores the city's role as a major player in the Mediterranean
economy.

“Athens was forced to rely entirely on the Laurion mines as a source of silver” (Silver Production in City/State of Ancient Athens – Maxwell K. Boots)

Brief Description: This
statement discusses how Athens placed a heavy reliance on the Laurion mines to
continue their silver production, which was located near the city.

Evidence provided about economic exchange: This
reliance on a single source of wealth underscores the importance of natural
resources in ancient economies and highlights the vulnerability that can arise
when a society's economic foundation is tied to a specific commodity or
location. It also suggests that Athens may have had limited diversification in
its economic activities, potentially making it more susceptible to fluctuations
in silver production or disruptions in trade routes related to the Laurion mines.
In this case, silver from the Laurion mines was essential for Athens' economic
stability and growth, particularly for financing its naval fleet and other
endeavors.

According to Thucydides, “Every Trierarch was as anxious as possible that his own ship should stand out.”

Brief description: In Ancient
Athens, a Trierarch was usually wealthy and responsible for financing and
maintaining a trireme, a type of ancient Greek warship. These ships were
essential for Athens' naval power and were used for both military purposes and
economic activities such as trade and commerce.

Evidence it provides about economic exchange: The
statement suggests that there was intense competition among Trierarch’s to
ensure that their own ships stood out, likely in terms of both performance and
appearance. This competitiveness may have stemmed from a desire for personal
prestige and recognition, as well as from economic motivations. A trireme that
was particularly successful or renowned could bring its owner not only honor
but also economic benefits, such as preferential treatment in trading
agreements or access to lucrative commercial opportunities. Therefore, the
statement implies that the economic exchange in Ancient Athens was characterised
by a competitive spirit among the elite, who sought to maximise their own
advantages and status through their participation in naval activities and
commerce.

Terracotta Amphora – Reverse side (540-530 BCE)

Brief description: These
vessels typically featured a narrow neck and two handles, making them easy to
carry and pour. They were often decorated with intricate designs or painted
scenes, showcasing the artistic craftsmanship of the time.

Evidence provided about economic exchange: The
inscriptions on Terracotta amphorae include details such as the name of the
producer, the contents of the vessel, the origin or destination of the goods,
and sometimes even the price or other commercial details. By studying these
inscriptions, historians can reconstruct trade networks, understand the volume
and types of goods being exchanged, and analyse the economic relationships
between Athens and other city-states or regions. For example, researchers have
found evidence of extensive trade networks connecting Athens with other parts
of the Mediterranean world, including regions as far away as Egypt and the
Black Sea. These trade networks played a crucial role in the economy of Athens,
facilitating the exchange of goods, fostering economic growth, and influencing
cultural exchange.

Pot depicting Athenians harvesting olives.

Brief description: A pot
depicting Athenians harvesting olives likely features a scene of individuals
engaged in the agricultural activity of olive harvesting. The is decorated with
intricate illustrations and painted scenes portraying Athenian citizens
gathering olives from trees, possibly using tools such as ladders or baskets.

Evidence it provides about economic exchange: The
depiction of Athenians harvesting olives indicates the importance of
agriculture in the economy of Ancient Athens. Olives were a staple crop in the
region, and olive oil was a significant export commodity. The scene suggests
the agricultural practices and techniques employed by Athenians to cultivate
and harvest olives, showcasing their expertise in this field. It implies that olive oil production was not just for
local consumption but also for export to other regions. This indicates the
existence of trade networks and economic exchange between Athens and other
city-states or regions where olive oil was in demand. Overall,
a pot depicting Athenians harvesting olives offers a glimpse into the economic,
social, and cultural aspects of life in Ancient Athens, shedding light on the
role of agriculture, trade, labor, and societal values in shaping the
city-state's economy.

"There are 10 metronomoi appointed by lot, five for the city and five for Piraeus. They are responsible for all measures and weights, to ensure that the salesmen use honest standards" (Aristotle)

Brief description: Aristotle's
statement describes the appointment of ten metronomoi, officials tasked with
regulating measures and weights in Ancient Athens. Five of these officials were
assigned to oversee economic activities within the city itself, while the
remaining five were responsible for similar duties in Piraeus, the city's port.

Evidence it provides about economic exchange: The primary responsibility of the metronomoi was to
ensure that salesmen used honest standards in their dealings. This implies a
concern for fair trade practices and the prevention of fraudulent behavior in
economic transactions. By regulating measures and weights, Athenian authorities
aimed to maintain trust and integrity in the marketplace. The division of metronomoi between the city and
Piraeus suggests that economic regulation extended to both urban centers and
port areas. This reflects the importance of trade and commerce in both
locations and the need for consistent oversight across different economic hubs. Aristotle's statement underscores the importance of
regulatory mechanisms in maintaining fair trade practices and standards in
Ancient Athens, reflecting the city-state's efforts to foster a healthy and
equitable economic environment for its inhabitants.

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Economic Exchange in Athens in the time of Pericles