Economy in Athens By: Anant Murty

Trade Athens had Trading Alliances with many other civilizations – Italy, Sicily, Egypt, Turkey etc. Athens imported and exported goods – Imported Goods: papyrus, wheat, spices, fabrics (importantly silk), metals etc. – Exported Goods: wine, grapes, olive oil, pottery, metals (mainly silver) etc. Athens was one of the rare civilizations to have olive trees (olive oil then being a very valuable item).

Agriculture Based on grains, olive oil, and grapes Live Stock – Sheep and goats being the most common Wood was heavily exploited – First for domestic use – Later to build Triremes Cash Crops – Tobacco, cotton, sugar beets, grains, vegetables etc. Agora – A marketplace in Athens

Crafts, Metalworking, and Pottery Weaving and Baking Activities were highly valued in Athens – Activities were done only by women Pottery was often done by slaves – Many potters assembled pottery outside of the Agora – Many pottery products were made for artistic and religious functions A variety of tools and weapons were made from Metalworking

Currency Silver Mines – Provided the total supply of “Athenian Owls”, the most famous type of coin Currency provided – Medium exchange – Exchange rate Only Athenians could mint the coins – Provided safety and reassurance

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