It is a no-brainer that ancient economic progress was bleak compared to modern civilizations. Due to educated systems and government, the contemporary world is a salve to economic growth. However, the same was not true during medieval and ancient times. The process of economic growth was slow and obsolete.

This article has summarized a brief guide on the economy of different civilizations like the Indus valley, Ancient Chinese, and Egyptian civilizations. Although they were obsolete, some methods and infrastructures employed by these civilizations have modern thinking and are also used in today’s generation.

Ancient Chinese Economy

Trading

The Chinese generally traded silk with central Asia, Rome, and some places in the Mediterranean. Since the Chinese used a standard trail for imports and exports, they were popularly called ‘The Silk Roads.’ However, they were not limited to skill but also expanded their trade to salt and sugar and, in turn, received commodities like wool, silver, cotton, and other items.

Agriculture

The ancient Chinese used an irrigation system called Dujiangyan by taking advantage of the rivers’ downflow and scattering their different areas. This technique helped various regions serve the population of 13.5 million. Agriculture was also an essential part of the Chinese economy that helped cultivate wet rice, their staple food.

Division of labor

Labor was segregated based on the social classes of the people, and they gained expertise in their field to better business.

Ancient Egypt

Trade

The ancient Egyptian civilization generally traded with West Africa with good relations with the Lebanese. They were mainly famous for their trades in jewelry, cloth, and the exchange of animal products. Slowly, they also started gaining traction and economic growth for trading timber.

Agriculture

Due to the never-ending benefits of the Nile River, Egypt was blessed with fertile crops year-round, which also became the primary source of its economic boost. Thus, Egyptians relied on irrigation and agriculture for their economic growth by producing crops like flax, linen, grains, etc. Banking and management of land also formed an integral part of their economic growth.

Division of labor

They also divided their work based on classes. The high classes ran the economy and government, while the lower ones were responsible for framing and other land work.

Ancient Indus Valley

Trade

Indus Valley citizens traded with China, Iraq, Mesopotamia, and Afghanistan. They mainly made use of the bartering system to maintain their economic stability. They traded for silver, gold, bronze, copper, and many more.

Agriculture

Indus Valley citizens were the most populated lot, with a population of 5 million. Their primary source of economic growth was the domestication of pigs, cows, and goats. They also cultivated exotic crops like grapes, melons, and dates.

Division of labor

Again, jobs in their civilization were based on their social class. Since agriculture was one of the main jobs, the lower sections would cultivate crops, and the higher section traded them.

Conclusion

Although there are geographical differences in all these regions, they’re also substantially similar. As a result, some of these economic growth and development techniques are still followed in many countries.