"Lectures on the History and Principles of Ancient Commerce" by James William Gilbart is a comprehensive exploration of the commerce practices of ancient civilizations.
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| James William Gilbart |
Published in 1853, the book delves into the commerce of ancient Egypt, Greece, Tyre, Carthage, Rome, and the East Indies.
The first lecture focuses on the commerce of ancient Egypt, highlighting the importance of the Nile River in facilitating trade and the development of a sophisticated trading system. Gilbart discusses the various goods that were traded, such as papyrus, grain, and precious metals, and the role of merchants and trade routes in the economy.
In the second lecture, Gilbart examines the commerce of ancient Greece, emphasizing the influence of Greek city-states like Athens and Corinth in shaping trade networks and establishing colonies for economic purposes. He discusses the impact of Greek culture on commerce, including the development of coinage and the establishment of marketplaces.
The third lecture delves into the commerce of Tyre and Carthage, two powerful trading cities in the ancient Mediterranean. Gilbart explores the maritime trade routes established by these cities, their dominance in the Mediterranean trade network, and the rivalry between them for control of trade routes and resources.
In the fourth lecture, Gilbart turns his attention to the commerce of ancient Rome, discussing the expansion of the Roman Empire and its impact on trade and commerce. He examines the role of Roman merchants, the development of a sophisticated banking system, and the integration of conquered territories into the Roman economy.
The fifth lecture explores the commerce of the ancients with the East Indies, focusing on the trade routes that connected the ancient world with the riches of the East. Gilbart discusses the exchange of goods such as spices, silk, and precious stones, and the cultural exchange that occurred as a result of this trade.
"Lectures on the History and Principles of Ancient Commerce" provides a detailed and insightful look into the commerce practices of ancient civilizations, shedding light on the economic systems, trade networks, and cultural exchanges that shaped the ancient world.
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