Odrin A. Resource potential and the structure of economic activity of the ancient states of the Northern Coast of the Black Sea region in V-III centures B.C.

The thesis deals with multidimensional and complex research of resource potential and structure of economic activity of the ancient states of the Northern Coast of the Black Sea region. The detailed analysis of geographical environment of these states is conducted and resource potential of their economy is defined. The structures of economic activity of the ancient states of the Northern Coast of the Black Sea region are also investigated and the comparative analysis of these structures is conducted. For the first time in historiography the system analysis of both the whole complex of history and archaeological sources and information on complex of natural and agronomical sciences (soil science, paleobotany, geobotany, paleozoology, ichthyology, cultivation of meadows, ecology of plants etc.) is presented. Thus it enabled to explore not only known, but also potentially possible brunches of economy of all main ancient states of the Northern Coast of the Black Sea region. That resulted in revision of traditional views on the structure of economy of the ancient states of the Northern Coast of the Black Sea region. The main results of research are as follows: The assertion that the grain farming oriented on the export as the basis of economy of ancient polises of North-western Coast of the Black Sea (Olbia, Tyras, Nikonium) is reconsidered. It is shown, that the natural resources of this region were more favourable for development of the cattle breeding. This conclusion was fully confirmed by the analysis of archaeological, historical and arheobotanical data, which suggest the export nature of this industry.