The economy of ancient Greece<span> was defined largely by the region's dependence on imported goods. As a result of the poor quality of </span>Greece<span>'s </span>soil<span>, agricultural trade was of particular importance. The impact of limited crop production was somewhat offset by Greece's paramount location, as its position in the </span>Mediterranean<span>gave its provinces control over some of Egypt's most crucial seaports and trade routes. Beginning in the </span>6th century<span> BC, trade </span>craftsmanship<span> and </span>commerce<span>, principally </span>maritime<span>, became pivotal aspects of Greek economic output.</span>
