Ancient History: Greece : Commerce and Trade

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Ancient History: Greece

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Commerce And Trade

Corinth and Athens both grew wealthy during the Archaic Era from exporting __________.

Possible Answers:

grain and oats

gold and bronze

dyes and incense

silk rugs

clay pots

Correct answer:

clay pots

Explanation:

Corinth and Athens both developed flourishing industries around the sale of clay pots during the Archaic Era. These pots were exported widely across the Mediterranean and can be found in large numbers at archaeological sites in Italy, Spain, North Africa, Anatolia, and Egypt. It is not known whether these pots were primarily valued for their appearance or what was perhaps contained inside them (wine, olive oil).

Example Question #1 : Commerce And Trade

Which of these is primarily responsible for the growth of hoplites and militiamen during the Archaic Era?

Possible Answers:

The invention of steel

The growth of trade and wealth in Greek city-states

The growing availability and affordability of bronze

The growing availability and affordability of iron

Political revolutions in Greece which elevated the lower classes

Correct answer:

The growing availability and affordability of iron

Explanation:

During the Mycenaean Age and the Greek Dark Ages, most of the fighting was carried out by wealthy, elite bands of warriors and noblemen. Beginning in the Archaic Era, however, more and more common people began to form military units. Hoplites and militiamen formed the backbone of most Greek armies by the sixth century BCE. The emergence of these lower class fighting forces is primarily a result of the growing availability and affordability of iron during this time period.

Example Question #2 : Commerce And Trade

Which of these city states grew wealthy as a result of controlling trade through the isthmus that connects northern and southern Greece?

Possible Answers:

Thebes

Athens

Miletus

Corinth

Sparta

Correct answer:

Corinth

Explanation:

The city-state of Corinth was situated at an extremely important strategic location. It was nestled in the isthmus that connects northern and southern Greece. Many merchants chose to move their goods through Corinth, rather than sail around the dangerous southern shores of Greece. This caused Corinth to grow very wealthy and made Corinth the biggest exporter in Greek society until the spectacular rise of Athens during the Classical Era.

Example Question #3 : Commerce And Trade

Which of these jobs was most dangerous for slaves living in ancient Greece?

Possible Answers:

plantation work

agricultural work

household labor

gold and silver mining

metalworking

Correct answer:

gold and silver mining

Explanation:

The experience of slaves living in ancient Greece varied dramatically. Some might be beloved and valuable members of households, who cared for the children and assisted the family in all manner of ways. Others might work extreme hours in the fields or, worse still, be forced into the backbreaking labor of gold and silver mining. Mining has long been a dirty and dangerous profession, not one that many people would do willingly, and slaves died by the scores to bring gold and silver to the Greek people.

Example Question #4 : Commerce And Trade

Which of the following were not famous Greek tyrants of the 7th and 6th c. BCE?

Possible Answers:

Cypselus

Periander

Draco

Peisistratus

Pittacus

Correct answer:

Draco

Explanation:

Draco was a 7th c. BCE law reformer of Athens, not a tyrant. His claim to fame is his law on homicide that replaced eye-for-an-eye revenge. Cypselus and Periander were tyrants of Corinth. Pittacus was the general of Mytilene. Peisistratus was a sixth c. BCE tyrant of Athens.

Example Question #41 : The Archaic Period (750 480 Bce)

Solon’s Athenian law reforms accomplished which of the given options?

Possible Answers:

All of these

Reorganized class system based on wealth

Ended debt slavery

Encouraged trades and apprenticeships

Encouraged the cultivation of olives

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

In the early sixth c. BCE, Solon was elected archon and initiated a series of reformers that were aimed at addressing class conflict and improving the economy. Most importantly, he released all Athenians from debt slavery and restructured the classes according to wealth, rather than status. 

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