The entire economy was concentrated in the ancient Greek marketplace and it was the hub of all activity. The central marketplace was known as Agora and it was a common feature in every Greek town and city during historical times.

Primarily, located in the center of the town, it was the pioneer of the modern day CBD in a way.Courthouses, council buildings, and other government centers surrounded the central marketplace known as Agora.

Ancient Greek Marketplace

But it was only in Athens that the Agora really took shape with all the important buildings surrounding it. Activity like buying and selling was concentrated in the market place and being an import based economy, the centers of commerce flourished in practically every town.

In Athens, the Agora had two temples on either side of it. It was not only buying and selling that the Agora was known for, but it was a place where people also met to discuss business and politics.

While buying and selling items, they could also catch up with friends also. But it was poor women who were mostly seen in the marketplace. The rich sent their slaves while the poor had husbands who did the shopping for them. Poor women could not afford help and had to do the entire shopping on their own.

Going to the market alone was strictly not done by women, rich or poor. But even in the ancient Greek marketplace, there were rules and people in place to check that trading was fair.Fair trade practices were ensured by three officials.

The metronome was entrusted with the task of checking weights and measures for the benefit of customers, while the Agoranomoi ensured that the quality of the products at the marketplace was good and not spurious.

Grain trade was looked after by Sitophylakes in Agora leading to a demarcation of responsibilities to safeguard the customer. Excavation of the Agora site was financed by Rockefeller in 1928 to unearth the rich history of the ancient Greek marketplace.