For generations, the study of Greek and Latin was used to train the elites of the western world. Knowledge of classical culture, it was believed, produced more cultivated, creative individuals; Greece and Rome were seen as pinnacles of civilization, and the origins of western superiority over the rest of the world.
The book delves into the complex role of trade in classical antiquity, examining its dual nature as both a vital component of Mediterranean economies and a source of tension within social hierarchies. It highlights how trade fueled the growth of Athenian and Roman power while being viewed with suspicion by elites who feared its impact on social order. Additionally, the text connects ancient trade to broader themes of politics, morality, and societal structure, drawing parallels to modern debates on trade's role in poverty alleviation versus exploitation.
Ancient History is a sourcebook of writings on ancient history. It offers an invaluable introduction to the most important ideas, theories and controversies, and a thought-provoking survey of the range of views and approaches.