SĪTOS

( σῖτος ), corn. The soil of Attica, though favourable to the production of figs, olives, and grapes, was not so favourable for corn; and accordingly a large quantity of corn was annually imported. Exportation was entirely prohibited, nor was any A then i an or resident alien allowed to carry corn to any other place than Athens. Whoever did so, was punishable with death. Of the corn brought into the A then i an port two-thirds was to be brought into the city and sold there. No one might lend money on a ship that did not sail with an expre condition to bring a return cargo, part of it corn, to Athens. Strict regulations were made with respect to the sale of corn in the market. Conspiracies among the corn-dealers ( σιτοπῶλαι ) to buy up the corn ( συνωνεῖσθαι ), or raise the price ( συνιστάναι τὰς τιμὰς ), were punished with death. The sale of corn was placed under the supervision of a special board of officers called Sitophylaces ( σιτοφύλακες ), while that of all other marketable commodities was superintended by the agoranomi. It was their busine to see that meal and bread were of the proper quality, and sold at the legal weight and price. Notwithstanding these careful provisions, scarcities ( σιτοδεῖαι ) frequently occurred at Athens. The state then made great efforts to supply the wants of the people by importing large quantities of corn, and selling it at a low price. Public granaries were kept in the Odeum, Pompeum, Long Porch, and naval storehouse near the sea. Sitonae ( σιτῶναι ) were appointed to get in the supply and manage the sale. Persons called apodectae ( ἀποδέκται ) received the corn, measured it out, and distributed it in certain quantities.