This book explores the interrelationship between economic practice and religion, ethics and social structure in a number of ancient cultures, including studies of East Indian, Hebraic, Greek, Hellenistic, Roman and emerging European cultures. Each chapter presents a new, richer understanding of the preoccupation of the ancients with specific economic problems such as distribution, civic pride, management and uncertainty, and how they were able to resolve them. Presenting fascinating insights into the economic thinking of ancient cultures, this volume will enhance the reawakening of interest in ancient economic history and thought, as well as the history of ideas.