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Zusatztext Poiesis is a remarkable book, which gives us not just the first detailed look at classical Athenian manufacturing in more than a century, but also a whole new way for thinking about ancient industry. Drawing important lessons from his own extensive experience as a business consultant, Peter Acton has made a major contribution to the ongoing debates about the structure and performance of the ancient Greek economy. Informationen zum Autor Peter Acton has a degree in Classics from Oxford University, an MBA from Stanford Business School, and a Ph.D. in Ancient History from the University of Melbourne. He was a Vice President of The Boston Consulting Group from 1986 to 1999. Klappentext Poiesis brings together archaeological finds, ancient texts and inscriptions, recent scholarly analysis, and the expertise of modern craftsmen to investigate every known facet of Athens' manufacturing activities. Despite the fact that Athenians consumed great quantities of manufactured goods, and around half of the residents of classical Athens can be shown to have been dependent for survival on manufacturing in some form, the subject has been almost completely neglected by historians. The book draws on the analytical techniques of contemporary business economics--supply and demand, competition theory, and risk-return analysis--to explain events and choices. Manufacturing operations are classified in an original framework that explains why certain segments were suited to the sole craftsman and others to teams of slaves, and deduces earnings potential based upon barriers to entry and competitive differentiation. The result is a new and refreshing angle on how Athenian society operated that complements political, military, and literary perspectives, with important and often surprising implications. Among other insights the analysis shows how fragmented industry structures were fundamental to the workings of Athenian democracy by enabling citizens to supplement their income through casual manufacturing activity. Zusammenfassung Brings together ancient texts and inscriptions, recent scholarly analysis, archaeological finds, and the expertise of modern craftsmen to investigate all that can be known of Athens' manufacturing activities Inhaltsverzeichnis Foreword Table of Contents Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Introduction A. Athens, the Manufacturing City B. Original Sources i. Ancient Literature ii. Archaeology and Epigraphy C. Methodology i. Embeddedness and Empirical Analysis ii. Theories of Firm Size iii. The Theory of Competitive Advantage iv. Competitive Advantage and Industry Structure v. Applying the Competitive Advantage Framework Chapter 2: Industry Formation A. Early Manufacturing B. Homer and the Households of the Rich C. Hesiod and the Peasant Economy D. Empirical Evidence i. Metalworking ii. Leatherwork iii. Cosmetics and Perfumes iv. Textiles E. Supply and Demand in a Competitive Market Chapter 3: The Pottery Industry A. The Evidence i. Original Texts ii. Pots iii. Potteries and Kilns iv. Stamps and Graffiti v. Vase Paintings B. Industry and Workshop Size C. Labour Force i. The Process of Making Pots ii. Staffing Needs iii. Justifying a Full-Time Team D. Bases for Differentiation E. Subsequent Changes in Competitive Dynamics and Industry Structure F. Summary Chapter 4: Mining, Metals and Armour A. Mining B. Ore Processing C. General Metalworking D. Jewellery and Ornaments E. Coinage F. Bronze Armour G. Shield Manufacture H. Knives I. Summary Chapter 5: Textiles, Clothing and Footwear A. Textiles and Clothing i. Spinning and Weaving ii. Scouring and Finishing B. Footwear i. Tanning ii. Shoemaking C. Summary Chapter 6: Woodworking A. Furniture B. General...
