Athens: Economy
An important part of life in any community is its economy. An economy is the way in which a community or region organizes the making and exchange of things like money, food, products, and services.
Because the land around Athens did not provide enough food for all of the city’s people, Athens’s economy was based on trade. Athens was near the sea, and it had a good harbor (place where ships can load and unload). This location enabled Athenians to trade with other city-states and with several foreign lands to obtain the goods and natural resources they required.
Athenians acquired wood from Italy and grain from Egypt. In return, Athenians traded honey, olive oil, silver, and beautifully painted pottery. Athenians exchanged goods at a huge marketplace called the agora (A-guh-ruh), where merchants sold their goods from small stands.
Athenians purchased lettuce, onions, olive oil, and other foods. Shoppers could also buy household items such as pottery, furniture, and clay oil lamps. Most Athenians made their clothes at home, but leather sandals and jewelry were popular items at the market. The agora was also the place where the Athenians bought and sold slaves.
Similar to most other city-states, Athens developed its own coins—made from metals such as gold, silver, and bronze. Coins made trade easier. Athenians decorated the flat sides of their coins. One such coin had an image of the goddess Athena, while its other side pictured Athena’s favorite bird, the owl.
Because the land around Athens did not provide enough food for all of the city’s people, Athens’s economy was based on trade. Athens was near the sea, and it had a good harbor (place where ships can load and unload). This location enabled Athenians to trade with other city-states and with several foreign lands to obtain the goods and natural resources they required.
Athenians acquired wood from Italy and grain from Egypt. In return, Athenians traded honey, olive oil, silver, and beautifully painted pottery. Athenians exchanged goods at a huge marketplace called the agora (A-guh-ruh), where merchants sold their goods from small stands.
Athenians purchased lettuce, onions, olive oil, and other foods. Shoppers could also buy household items such as pottery, furniture, and clay oil lamps. Most Athenians made their clothes at home, but leather sandals and jewelry were popular items at the market. The agora was also the place where the Athenians bought and sold slaves.
Similar to most other city-states, Athens developed its own coins—made from metals such as gold, silver, and bronze. Coins made trade easier. Athenians decorated the flat sides of their coins. One such coin had an image of the goddess Athena, while its other side pictured Athena’s favorite bird, the owl.
economy (noun)
The way a community or region manages its money, food, products, and services to meet people's needs.
Example Sentence: The city's economy depends on tourism.
exchange (noun)
The act of giving something to someone and receiving something else in return.
Example Sentence: The children exchanged toys at the playground.
acquire (verb)
To get something, usually by buying or earning it.
Example Sentence: The students acquired new knowledge in their science class.
merchants (noun)
People who buy and sell goods, especially in a store or market.
Example Sentence: The merchants at the farmers market sold fresh fruits and vegetables.
crafted (verb)
Made or created with skill and care.
Example Sentence: The artist crafted a beautiful sculpture out of clay.
The way a community or region manages its money, food, products, and services to meet people's needs.
Example Sentence: The city's economy depends on tourism.
exchange (noun)
The act of giving something to someone and receiving something else in return.
Example Sentence: The children exchanged toys at the playground.
acquire (verb)
To get something, usually by buying or earning it.
Example Sentence: The students acquired new knowledge in their science class.
merchants (noun)
People who buy and sell goods, especially in a store or market.
Example Sentence: The merchants at the farmers market sold fresh fruits and vegetables.
crafted (verb)
Made or created with skill and care.
Example Sentence: The artist crafted a beautiful sculpture out of clay.