Roman businessmen living in the ancient Greek city of Teos (Greek: Τέως) played a much larger role in local trade and finance than historians once believed, according to a new study of Greek inscriptions discovered in Turkey.
The research, published in Belleten by Tolga Uzun, examines two inscriptions uncovered during excavations in 2021 at the Sanctuary of Dionysus in the ancient Ionian city of Teos near modern-day Seferihisar.
Dating to the 1st century BCE, the inscriptions provide what researchers describe as the first direct evidence of organized Roman businessmen operating in Teos. The texts also suggest that Roman commercial associations, known as conventus, were active across a wider area of western Anatolia than previously documented.
Teos was both a cultural and trade center
Ancient Teos was one of the leading cities of Ionia. The city became known for the Sanctuary of Dionysus, large festivals, and its connection to the Artists of Dionysus, a professional guild of actors, musicians, and performers.
The first inscription records that “the Romans doing business here” honored Menophantos, son of Apollonides, who had served as agoranomos. pic.twitter.com/lULdBtFMY1
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) May 7, 2026
Teos also had a thriving economy. The city benefited from agriculture, wine and olive oil production, wool manufacturing, timber trade, and marble exports. One of its most valuable materials was the colorful stone later known as Marmor Luculleum, or Africano marble, which became highly prized in Roman architecture.
Researchers said this strong commercial profile likely attracted Roman investors and traders from across the Mediterranean.
Inscriptions honor a local market official
One of the inscriptions states that “the Romans doing business here” honored a local official named Menophantos, son of Apollonides, for his service as agoranomos.
In ancient Greek cities, the agoranomos supervised the marketplace. The role included regulating trade, overseeing prices, and helping settle commercial disputes.
The inscription says Menophantos carried out his office “well and gloriously” and received a golden wreath. A second inscription shows that the people of Teos also honored him in the same way.
Researchers said the dual honors suggest Menophantos acted as an important link between the city administration and the Roman commercial community active in Teos.
Roman businessmen operated as organized groups
The wording used in the inscriptions is especially important. The Greek term corresponds to the Latin word negotiatores, which referred to wealthy Roman businessmen involved in finance, investment, and large-scale trade rather than ordinary merchants.
According to the study, these Roman traders likely belonged to organized commercial networks capable of moving goods, credit, and investments across the Mediterranean.
The findings also connect Teos to a broader network of Roman commercial communities already identified in cities such as Ephesos, Pergamon, and Sardis.
Researchers said the discovery highlights how Roman influence expanded into Anatolia not only through armies and political power, but also through trade, finance, and partnerships with local officials.
The inscriptions reveal the quieter side of Roman expansion. Behind the temples and festivals of Teos stood networks of traders and administrators helping connect the Greek East to Rome’s growing economic world.
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