This landmark study moves the debate on from Moses Finley's seminal work on the ancient economy and discusses new evidence and approaches to the subject. It will be an indispensable resource for those interested in the classical economy.

WAS ECONOMIC GROWTH POSSIBLE IN THE CLASSICAL WORLD?

HOW MUCH DID NON-AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION CONTRIBUTE TO THE ANCIENT ECONOMY?

Economies Beyond Agriculture presents a challenge to the long-held view that the predominantly agricultural economies of ancient Greece and Rome were underdeveloped. This is achieved through investigating the economic significance of non-agricultural production -- the extractive industries, the exploitation of natural resources, manufacturing and the building trade.

Integrating historical, archaeological and theoretical perspectives, the contributors offer new insights into key economic concepts such as 'growth' in the ancient economy, providing quantitative data wherever possible. One of the volume's most exciting arguments is for recognition of the significant differences between the economies of the Greek city states and the Roman empire, with the latter having much greater potential for growth.

This landmark study moves the debate on from the seminal work of Moses Finley on the ancient economy, while demonstrating how his views fit into the new evidence and approaches now being explored. It will be an indispensable resource for everyone who wants to understand the true nature of the economy in the classical period.

'This collection of papers is an important and valuable attempt to set them [discussions] off in the right direction, containing more intereting material and anaylsis than I can cover here. I recommend it warmly.' - Classical Review