
Contents
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1. Introduction 1. Introduction
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2. The role of the state 2. The role of the state
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3. Ownership and property rights 3. Ownership and property rights
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4. Contracts and the expansion of markets 4. Contracts and the expansion of markets
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4.1 The theory of H.-J. Wolff about Greek contracts 4.1 The theory of H.-J. Wolff about Greek contracts
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4.2 Contractual relationships or the ties of family and friendship? 4.2 Contractual relationships or the ties of family and friendship?
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Bibliography Bibliography
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The Rule of Law and Economic Growth in Ancient Greece
Get accessEdward M. Harris is Emeritus Professor of Ancient History at Durham University and Honorary Professorial Fellow at the University of Edinburgh.
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Published:02 September 2020
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Abstract
The rule of law was very important for the expansion of markets and economic growth in Classical and Hellenistic Greece. The Greek city-state enforced regulations about weights and measures, ensured peace and order, built infrastructure (agoras, roads and ports), granted foreigners access to courts, gave honours, privileges and protection from seizure (asylia), and concluded treaties with other communities. The state also protected the property rights of individuals and created records to ensure title and to resolve disputes about ownership. Finally, the state created third-party enforcement of contracts, such as lease, sale, lending and borrowing and the accessory contracts of personal security and real security. This allowed economic transactions to expand beyond the narrow confines of family, friends, and neighbours and to expand markets.
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