Regulation of foreign economic activity by the states of the Northern Black Sea coast (V–I centuries b. c.)

Abstract

Purpose: This work is devoted to the analysis of regulation methods of trade in the ancient states of Northern Black Sea Region in Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods such as the free-trade privilege’s (athelia), trade monopoly, financial regulation etc. Methods: The theoretical and methodological aspects of the historical process of integration the Hellenic states of Northern Black Sea Region into trade and customs relations of the Pontic basin and the Aegean region, as well as into the imperial customs system of Rome have been identified in this research. Results: This article is the new research in the historiography where the results of a long study of the ancient foreign economic activity and customs relations of the Northern Black Sea coast in the historical science are summarized concerning the different narrative, epigraphic, numismatic and historiographical sources. The author’s conception of the role of customs regulation and other ways of regulation of foreign economic relations in antiquity is suggested. The special emphasis is put on the genesis of historiographic concepts being formed around the issues of taxation and customs relations in connection with the problems of the international trade of Tyra, Olbia, Chersonesus, Bosporus, Egypt, cities-states of islands of the Aegean region in the Classic and Hellenistic periods and the Roman age. The possibilities of constructing the satisfactory model of international trade’s and customs relations’ history in the East Mediterranean region in the Ancient time are examined in this article. Conclusions: This article defines the role of international trade agreements to ensure the grain trade of Bosporus with Athens and Mytilene (Lesbos) and Bosporus-Egypt likely trade competition. The possibilities of constructing the satisfactory model of international trade’s and customs relations’ history in the Aegean region and all East Mediterranean region in the Classic, Hellenistic periods and the Roman age are examined in this article.