First published in 1898, as part of the Cambridge Historical Series, this book presents a discussion of the main economic features in the growth and diffusion of Western European culture during ancient times. The text covers a broad range of periods and societies, beginning with Ancient Egypt and moving through to Constantinople and the decline of the Western Roman Empire. Although necessarily dealing with limited information, it draws striking connections between various groups and provides a broad overview of economic change. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in perspectives on the origins of Western civilization and ancient history.