He argues that because the ancients placed so much emphasis on status, which heavily regulated what commercial activities was acceptable for those in the upper orders and well as the lower ones, their economy differed from any modern economy where everyone was free and able to participate in whatever legal commercial enterprise. Finley also discusses the institution of slavery which was very prominent in the ancient world. The relationship between master and slave was complex and even among slaves, there was a diversity of societal rankings.
The author argues that ancient societies' economies differed from modern ones because they heavily regulated commercial activities based on status, impacting both upper and lower classes. Finley also discusses the institution of slavery in ancient times, highlighting its complexity and diverse social hierarchies even among slaves.