Industry, Trade and the State in Ptolemaic Egypt

Cambridge University Press

Industry, Trade and the State in Ptolemaic EgyptAuthor(s): Nico Dogaer\nFormat: Hardback\nPublisher: Cambridge University Press, United Kingdom\nImprint: Cambridge University Press\nISBN-13: 9781009413374, 978-1009413374\nSynopsis\nThis book provides a reassessment of Ptolemaic state intervention in industry and trade, an issue central to the economic and political history of Hellenistic Egypt. Based on a full survey of Greek and Demotic Egyptian sources, and drawing on theoretical perspectives, it challenges the prevailing interpretation of 'state monopolies'. While the Ptolemies displayed an impressive capacity to intervene in economic processes, their aims were purely fiscal, and the extent of their reach was limited. Every sector was characterised by significant market activity, either recognised and supported by the state, or illicit, where the Ptolemies did make attempts to establish exclusive control. Nico Dogaer provides a full account of several key industries and presents n.