Economic Theory and the Ancient Mediterranean presents a comprehensive introduction to the application of contemporary economic theory to the various societies populating the ancient regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea from 5000 BCE to 400 CE. Written for a broad range of scholars, this accessible reference provides an explanation of the core principles of economic theory and then goes on to address a variety of interrelated research topics in the economies of ancient Mediterranean societies. Throughout the text, examples from the literature vividly demonstrate the relevance of current economic models in the study of antiquity through implicit and explicit application - not just within Mediterranean societies, but throughout the ancient world. Innovative and thought-provoking, Economic Theory and the Ancient Mediterranean offers enlightening insights into the relevance of contemporary economic models to a broad range of research topics relating to the study of antiquity. --Book Jacket.