Trade Centre

Due to the generally poor quality of soil in Greece, cities were heavily reliant on external trade for the provision of many goods needed for daily life. Most often, items passed through the hands of kapeloi, or traders. Due to their role as 'middle men', individuals such as Aristotle accused kapeloi of a parasitic existence. In reality, their importance to a city ensured its success, if not respect. These individuals rented a space in the agora, which served both as a marketplace and as a centre of public life where trials and government took place. Meaning 'gathering place', the agora included market stalls, spaces for games, and platforms for public speaking.