The Ancient Economy (book)
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The Ancient Economy is a book about the economic system of the classical antiquity written by the classicist Moses I. Finley. It was originally published in 1973. Finley interprets the economy from 500BC to 500AD sociologically, instead of using economic models (such as Rostovtzeff did). He attempted to prove that the ancient economy was largely a byproduct of status. In other words, economic systems were not interdependent, they were embedded in status positions. The analysis owes debt to sociologist such as Max Weber and Karl Polanyi.
The book has had such an impact on classical scholarship that the views brought forward in The Ancient Economy has been labeled "the Finley/Polanyi orthodox" [1] Finley covers both ancient economic thought, wealth, the role of the state, slavery as well as the tax system. "Indeed, no individual writer (...) has attempted a comprehensive economic overview of the entire classical world since Finley, though period specific, regional or thematic work has abounded." [2]
[edit] References
- Moses I. Finley The Ancient Economy (Sather Classical Lectures) 3rd edtion with a foreword by Ian Morris 1999 ISBN 0-520-21946-5
- ^ Morris Silver: EH.NET review of book covering the same topic from 2003
- ^ The Kevin Greene: Technological Innovation and Economic Progress in the Ancient World: M. I. Finley Re-Considered Economic History Review 2000 p.32
