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The Economics Detective asks: Why No Industrial Revolution in Ancient Greece?


The Economics Detective is a fun podcast series looking into economic subjects in detail. This makes it very informative!

One fascinating edition of the podcast looks at the question of why Ancient Greece circa 500 to 300 BCE did not transition to 1% plus annual economic growth rates. They even talk about McCloskey's ideas thesis! The position of the interviewee, George Trimidas, is that lack of resources (mainly coal) for steel-smelting explains the failure of the initial Greek efflorescence to transition into 1% plus annual economic growth. He does also acknowledge the absence of a sympathetic attitude toward the bourgeoisie, citing the risk of being subject to the illiberal Athenian practice of 'ostracism'. [1]

[1]
http://economicsdetective.com/2018/08/no-ancient-greek-industrial-revolution-conversation-george-tridimas/?fbclid=IwAR08gXZsBjDkU97PY4LO2Xk3kdgK-058VvtK4m_EPW13XOWNZhHiYrXhMxo

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