10. Trade and the evolution of communities: Urban and pastoral Vlach villages

The growth of trade reshaped the traditional lifestyles of communities that took the lead in commercial endeavors. Villages such as Kleisoura, Vlasti, Nymfaio, Siatista, Pisoderi, Monastiri, Moschopolis, and Melnik emerged as hubs of Vlach-speaking Hellenism, urbanizing earlier than many other established settlements.

In contrast, Vlach villages that remained focused on pastoralism—such as Samarina, Avdella, Smixi, Perivoli, Seli, and the Livadia of Paiko—accounted for over 50% of the region’s recorded sheep and goat population. These communities supplied vital raw materials for small-scale industries and trade while preserving their rural character. They developed a symbiotic relationship with nearby urban centers, fostering a dynamic interplay between agricultural life and the demands of expanding markets.