ABSTRACT
In its original Greek sense oikonomia referred to the art of managing households, and the first household described in Western literature is that of Odysseus in Homers Odyssey. Although the word oikonomia does not appear in this epic poem, Odysseus household and the problem of its management figure prominently throughout. Thus, the overall story of the Odyssey is said to be framed by an economic crisis. Throughout this economic crisis, Odysseus property and resources figure prominently as tangible measures of his changing fortune. The dwindling resources of Odysseus oikos in Ithaca are paralleled by his diminishing situation at sea, entailing the gradual loss of his fleet, his entire crew, his own ship, and, with it, his cargo of Trojan spoils. Even Odysseus's clothing is consumed by Poseidon. Having hosted Odysseus with elaborate feasts, athletic games, dancing, and songs, the Phaeacian King then urges him to reveal his identity and to share his stories.
