Why did Athens become a center for wealth and trade?

Athens became a center for trade and wealth because of its prime location along the Mediterranean trade route, early use of democracy, and the lack of fertile farming land, which in turn pushed the citizens to become merchants/traders. They also were successful in keeping what was theirs with a strong army and powerful leaders. This growth of power was continuous since they set out on a conquering sprees and created many new dependent colonies. Pericles, a highly influential statesman, supported and saw the power held Athens held. After seeing how victorious and affluent the city was becoming, he decided to put the treasury of the leagues in Athens. This solidified the prominence of Athens in the Grecian economy.

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