Ancient Greek Agriculture: An Introduction

Agriculture was the main form of livelihood in Ancient Greece and was highly praised by contemporary Greek writers. Nevertheless, there has been no detailed study on the topic to this day. This book gives an introduction to Ancient Greek agriculture in the broadest sense of the word. The initial focus is firmly on the art of agriculture proper, the tools and the technique, the plants cultivated and animals reared. Thereafter Isager and Skydsgaard treat the position of agriculture in the society of gods and men in the Greek city-states. In the epilogue it is stated that Greek agriculture in the period of the city-states was rather primitive and the authors question the view which maintains that agriculture was the main source not only of livelihood but also of wealth in Ancient Greece.