Greece is a land of extremes; a land of dizzying heights and low valleys, of impenetrable mountain ranges and peaceful waters. It is quite amazing how those ancient Greek people molded themselves into one of the greatest and the most prosperous civilizations the west has ever known. But where is the key to the success of this eminent culture? The answer does not lie in naval power, nor is it because Greece was rich in gold and silver and crops. As we shall see, it is because the Greeks had developed a brilliant trade system which allowed them to become the renowned people whom we have come to know.

Grains were not quite abundant in ancient Greece, although the hilly landscape was ideal for growing vineyards and olive groves. But in other parts, the terrain was far too mountainous to grow anything. Also, in a time period of several hundred years, the ancient Greeks had used up their timber supply, and in another few centuries, they had depleted their metal reserves. Moreover, they lacked cinnamon, pepper, and spices. All these products had to be acquired from some other foreign civilization; and this need for those things they did not have is exactly what drove the ancient Greeks to develop a remarkable and far-ranging trade.

The ancient Greeks traded many things, although they imported many more goods than they exported. Since Greece was relevantly situated for sea trade, a large number of foreign items could be exploited. For instance, wine and olives were trade in exchange for cheese and pork from Sicily, rugs from Carthage, ivory from Ethiopia, glass from Egypt, perfumes from Araby, and gold from the Hittite region. In addition, the ancient Greeks imported pepper, spices, cinnamon, silver, honey, and timber.

But the most important product was corn. Since only a quarter of the land was suitable for growing corn, more than 70% of it had to be imported from overseas. In the Greek city-states, the export of corn was forbidden by officials, and the protection of corn routes was always a determinant policy throughout the history of ancient Greece. Therefore, it was a considerably valuable trade item to the Greek people.

Wheat and barley were also extremely important produce. Greek traders sailed long distances to the Black Sea and Sicily to trade for wheat and barley. Many historians believe that they may have also sailed south to trade with Egypt.

       

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