Pant'agatha : commodities in Levantine-Aegean trade during the Persian period, 6-4th c. B.C.

Abstract

The primary focus of this study is to ascertain the identification and origins of the commodities in trade between the Levant and Aegean during the Persian period, ca. 540-330 B.C. Using Semitic and Greek textual sources, as well as numismatic, epigraphic and archaeological evidence nearly 200 commodities are identified and discussed, including spices, pigments, dyes, chemicals, and manufactured items such as coinage and ceramics. In the final chapter, a synthesis of the material is presented along with the historic and economic conclusions for Persian period trade that can be drawn from the assembled evidence.