Oxford Monographs on Classical Archaeology: Naukratis

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Archaic Naukratis was a bustling trading hub in the Western Delta of the Nile, known for its sanctuaries and courtesans, providing Greeks access to Egyptian grain and luxury goods. Over a century after its discovery and excavation, the author presents the first comprehensive analysis of the archaeology and history of this significant site. While Naukratis is often mentioned in discussions of ancient Greek colonization, it was not a locale where Greeks could freely establish their own political and social systems; it was under the strict control of the Egyptian pharaoh and officials. To grasp Naukratis's unique status, the author employs the port of trade model, exploring the political, social, and economic contexts of Late Period Egypt and archaic Greece. A substantial portion of the work focuses on a re-evaluation of the site's topography and material culture, examining sanctuaries, pottery styles, terracottas, faiences, statuettes, and other artifacts in light of recent scholarship. Additionally, an in-depth analysis of literary evidence complements the archaeological findings. This study significantly enhances our understanding of Graeco-Egyptian relations in the seventh and sixth centuries BC and illustrates the relevance of Polanyian economic theory in analyzing the ancient Greek economy.