Entrepreneurs Who Changed History

g TRADE AND EXPLORATION g Contents

DIRECTORY

Entrepreneurs of the ancient, medieval, and early modern eras helped lay the foundations of modern capitalism and global trade through their risky, sometimes daring, activities. Although not always successful, these pioneers paved the way for others in fields such as finance and international commerce.

Pasion

(c. 430–370 BCE)

Believed to originate from Syria, Pasion was sold at an Athens slave market in 440 BCE to two bankers from Piraeus, the Greek port city that serviced Athens. A canny operator, Pasion rose to run their money-changing operation and was eventually granted his freedom, gaining the status of foreign resident. Pasion inherited his former masters’ business and later became involved ...