Redistributive economy

Definition

A redistributive economy is an economic system where resources, wealth, and goods are collected and redistributed by a central authority to ensure a more equitable distribution among the population. In the context of Mycenaean culture, this system was crucial in managing resources and establishing social hierarchies within citadels, tombs, and the use of Linear B for record-keeping. The structure of this economy enabled the elite to control agricultural production and distribution, influencing both economic stability and social organization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The redistributive economy of the Mycenaeans allowed for surplus agricultural production to be collected by the palatial centers for redistribution to the population, especially during times of scarcity.
2. Linear B tablets provide evidence of how resources were managed and distributed within the Mycenaean economy, reflecting transactions, inventories, and allocation of goods.
3. Social stratification in Mycenaean society was reinforced by the redistributive economy, as the elite controlled access to wealth and resources stored in the citadels.
4. The economy relied heavily on trade networks, where goods were exchanged with neighboring cultures, further enhancing the wealth and power of the Mycenaean elites.
5. Declines in the efficiency of this redistributive system are believed to have contributed to the eventual collapse of Mycenaean civilization during the late Bronze Age.

Review Questions

• How did the redistributive economy impact social structure within Mycenaean culture?
  • The redistributive economy played a significant role in establishing a hierarchical social structure within Mycenaean culture. By centralizing control over resources through palatial centers, the elite were able to accumulate wealth and power, while lower classes depended on these authorities for access to necessary goods. This dynamic reinforced social stratification, as those in power dictated not only distribution but also access to food, materials, and other resources critical for survival.
• What evidence from Linear B supports the existence of a redistributive economy in Mycenaean society?
  • Linear B tablets offer substantial evidence for the redistributive economy of Mycenaean society by detailing transactions involving agricultural produce and goods. These inscriptions often include records of quantities stored, distributed, or exchanged among different households or institutions. The meticulous accounting reflects how resources were managed centrally and illustrates the extent of control exercised by elites over economic activities within the citadels.
• Evaluate the significance of trade in enhancing the redistributive economy of Mycenaean civilization and its impact on their societal structure.
  • Trade significantly bolstered the redistributive economy of Mycenaean civilization by introducing new resources and materials that could be collected and redistributed through palatial centers. This not only enhanced the wealth of elites who controlled trade routes but also created dependencies among lower classes who relied on these goods for their livelihoods. As a result, trade strengthened existing power dynamics and contributed to social stratification while fostering regional connections that were vital for economic stability.

Related terms

Linear B: A syllabic script used in Mycenaean Greece for writing an early form of Greek, primarily used for administrative and record-keeping purposes.

Citadel: A fortified center or palace complex in Mycenaean cities that served as a political, religious, and economic hub.

Palatial System: The administrative structure of Mycenaean society centered around palaces, which acted as economic centers where goods were stored, produced, and redistributed.