The Attic Silver Mines in the Fourth Century B.C.

Abstract

The recent publication, by Miss M. Crosby (in Hesperia XIX 189–312), of all the extant lists found at Athens belonging to the accounts of the poletai, and relating to the leasing of mines in the Laurion region, justifies a fresh examination of the administration and importance of the mines. A full topographical study, for which there is a considerable amount of material, can hardly be pursued except on the ground; the same is true of an archaeological survey of the actual mines and surface establishments. There are, on the other hand, certain problems of terminology, administration, and economic significance which are independent of such a survey, and may, indeed, help as a preliminary to it, and serve, as well, to supplement Ardaillon's work where it seems to be most out-of-date. Such problems are considered in the following study, the chief material being the lease lists so admirably published by Miss Crosby, joined to such information as may be gained from other sources.