Economy

Question 1

What were banausic activities and the finely model of the Athenian economy

Answer 1

Banausic activities: those that were focused around creating wealth for the individual, frowned up in archaic Athens

Finely model: Athenian economic activity was primarily agricultural and centred around sustaining the oikos

Question 2

What was the main mine of Attica

Answer 2

Mines of Laurion

Archaeological evidence of a key industry within the Athenian economy

Question 3

What did demosthenes say in a speech about the Athenian reliance on imported grain

Answer 3

Demosthenes said that Athens was heavily reliant on imported grain from the Black Sea area - however he says that the arrangement that’s been made with the grain merchants is beneficial for the poleis as Athenians shipments were exempt from certain duties/ fees

Question 4

What did Xenophon say about the varied nature of craft specialisation in Athens

Answer 4

He mentioned That in larger urban settlements such as Athens, one person will specialise in one area of industry as opposed to doing various tasks- that’s more common in smaller urban centres

Question 5

Xenophon credited Athens what what topographical feature ?

Answer 5

Mild climate, fertile soil, abundant sea resources

Also highlights prolonged productivity of the land + presence of natural materials such as marble + silver

Argues that Athens is the centre of the habitable world