Trade was a very predominant feature in Ancient Greek times. The people of Ancient Greece were also concerned about making new trade routes. The Ancient Greek trade routes included both overland routes of trade and nautical routes of trade. While many of these trade routes were famous for different commodities, some of them passed through Archaic Greece. Trade was an important activity in Ancient Greece which is validated by the various trade routes we come across. The Ancient Greek soil was not of very good quality and was largely unfit for agriculture. Hence, the majority of the population had to depend upon trade as a means of survival and livelihood and most of the commodities had to be imported from the surrounding lands and areas. The intensity of trade and the influence of Hellenic cultures were directly proportional to each other. Thus as the power and influence of the Hellenic nations grew, so did the intensity of trade.

ancient greek trade routes

Before going into the various kinds of trade routes found across the Hellenic and Ancient Greek worlds, it is necessary to first describe a trade route. A trade route can be described as a specific path along which trade was carried on. The Ancient Greek trade routes were mostly on land. These were the overland trade routes. Most of them crossed and connected the entire old world. The use of beasts of burden and caravans helped in the development of the overland trade routes. They were the very primitive types of trade routes that helped in the process of connecting various areas of the world under one grand umbrella of trade contacts.

Along with the overland trade routes, the maritime trade routes also made their appearance. This was however a gradual development. Ships plied on well-known maritime routes to carry on trading activities. The Ancient Greek trade routes were generally named after the predominant commodity which was traded along that route. Such was the case with most of the popular and active trade routes of the ancient world order.

Effects of the Creation of Trade Routes

The development of the various trade routes by the Ancient Greeks opened them and their world to an entirely new set of worlds that were far more varied, different, and dynamic. New experiences were met during their trade with Britain, Asia Minor, or some other part of the world. These people met new people, came across different new items, and embarked on new voyages. Altogether they became very refreshing centers of activity for the Ancient Greek people. They became a complete part of the cross-cultural world, a world that got connected through contact.

New civilizations were encountered, new areas were visited and new identities were created. These trade routes would carry out new expeditions and would in many cases be followed by the future emperors to embark on new conquests. Thus there was an all-encompassing benefit as far as the creation of trade routes was concerned in Ancient Greece. It was a boon beyond trade relations and went across several spheres and arenas. It was nowhere simply limited to the economic level of the masses. It also had an overall impact on the social and political lives of the people.

Origin of the Ancient Greek Trade Routes

In order to understand the evolution of the Ancient Greece trade routes, it is necessary to know about the trading structure that was prevalent in Ancient Greece. Then only one can come to the trade routes that were in use for the export and import of certain trading commodities.

Ancient Greece Trade Routes

Ancient Greece Trade Routes Ancient Mariners

Significance/Importance of the Ancient Greek Trade Routes

Trade routes were most significant in creating a stable economy that was to be based on trade and commerce. For any trade to prosper and flourish, there is always the need for a well-planned and chalked-out trade route through which trade would be carried out. Thus it was imperative from the perspective of setting up a trade economy. The major significances are pointed out below-

Ancient Greece Trade Routes