Routledge : The Extramercantile Economies of Greek and Roman Cities

Explore the complex economic structures of classical antiquity through this scholarly collection. While much research focuses on market exchange, this volume looks at the other forces that moved goods and wealth throughout Greek and Roman cities. It examines nonmarket transfers, ranging from small private gifts to the large scale confiscation of lands, cities, and people. This work provides a deep look into the extramercantile economy, specifically focusing on the role of benefaction and various associations. By analyzing how these nonmarket activities impacted the broader market economy, the book offers a fresh perspective on how ancient societies functioned. Designed for academic rigor, this volume brings together insights from ancient historians, New Testament scholars, and classicists. Readers will find a critical assessment of the New Institutional Economics framework applied to the ancient world. It is an essential resource for those studying the economic history of the Mediterranean and the social forces that shaped classical civilizations.