Gospodarka i handel dalekosiężny w starożytności

Abstract

The economic activity was one of the most important symptoms of the development of the ancient civilizations. This activity has stayed in the shadows of the progress in antique culture and science but nowadays some of the scientists underline the role of economic life. The main aspects of the economy of the ancient civilizations were the achievements in agriculture. craft and trade. The first agricultural communities began to emerge in the Middle East from 3500 B.C. to 3000 B.C. in the river valleys of Mesopotamia and Egypt. In this article we also include younger civilizations of ancient India, China and Phoenicia. The last chapter focuses on the changes in the economy of Greece and Rome. The ancient civilizations had existed many centuries but the influence on each other was only marginal. The decisive element to link ancient economies was long-distance trade. The organized exchange attracted brave merchants and sailors. Not only they tended to reach some profits but also they wanted to explore new areas. Long-distance trade helped to find and benefit new markets. This article is the first part of our surveys showing the origins of the world economy. We realize that the traders of the leading ancient civilizations built the connections all over inhabited world.