Agriculture was central in the economy of ancient Greece, as it comprised the bulk of production and exchange. Nearly 80% of the population was involved in this activity.
Harvesting olives. British Museum
An ear of barley, symbol of wealth in the city of Metapontum in Magna Graecia (i.e. the Greek colonies of southern Italy), stamped stater, c. 530–510 BCE
An olive tree in Karystos, Euboea
Bronze billygoat found in the deme of Kephissia, 5th century BCE, Louvre
Ancient Greek cuisine
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Ancient Greek cuisine was characterized by its frugality for most, reflecting agricultural hardship, but a great diversity of ingredients was known, and wealthy Greeks were known to celebrate with ela
Agriculture in ancient Greece
…northern Greece and Chalkidiki, but the evidence is limited. During the early time of Greek history, as shown in the Odyssey, Greek agriculture - and diet - was based on cereals (sitos, though usually translated as wheat, could in fact designate any type of cereal grain). Even if the ancients were aware…
Terracotta model representing a lion's paw tripod table, 2nd–1st century BCE, from Myrina, Louvre
Banqueter playing kottabos, a playful subversion of the libation, ca. 510 BCE, Louvre
Woman kneading bread, c. 500–475 BCE, National Archaeological Museum of Athens
Sacrifice; principal source of meat for city dwellers — here a boar; tondo of an Attic kylix by the Epidromos Painter, c. 510–500 BCE, Louvre.