New perspectives on factor markets and ancient Middle Eastern economies: a survey

Abstract

The conventional view of markets for land, labour, and capital as a modern, Western phenomenon is questionable. Factor markets did indeed exist in Iraq, and even thrived, in various parts of its pre-modern history, including the period around 2000 bce, the “long” sixth century (c. 620-480 bce), and the eighth and ninth centuries ce. By employing the long-term approach used in this issue of jesho and by placing the organization of these markets in their wider social-political context, we can understand better how these markets developed, how they functioned, and why they rose and declined again.