Trade and the rise of ancient Greek city-states

Jordan Adamson

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 2025, vol. 235, issue C

Abstract: In this paper, I examine the role of comparative advantage in the rise of city-states. After compiling a new dataset on ancient Greece and the natural environment, I provide evidence that the spatial covariance of natural vegetation endowments amongst potential trading partners is important for explaining the development of silver coin money, battles, and city-state formation. I also provide statistical evidence against “key factors” previously emphasized. These findings are consistent with a general model of comparative advantage that I develop, which clarifies how the spatial covariance of factor endowments affects multiple development outcomes.

Keywords: City-state formation; Endowment diversity; Comparative advantage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:235:y:2025:i:c:s0167268125001544

DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2025.107035

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