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History of auction
The earliest auction in human history can be found in written records. Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian, described the bride auction in Babylon (65438 BC+0894-709 BC) in his book History. The so-called "auction bride" is an auction activity with marriageable women as the auction object. These women were auctioned in the order of beauty and health, and the man with the highest bid won the bid as the groom.

Auctions in ancient Babylon, ancient Greece and ancient Egypt are the first milestone in the history of world auctions. Its characteristics: a long history and a long time span, which lasted for about 1000 years.

The auction in Rome * * *(5 10—— 27 BC) developed unprecedentedly. On the basis of keeping slave auction, there are trophy auction and commodity auction.

Roman auction is the second milestone in the history of world auction, which lasted for about 1000 years. At this time, the auction content is rich and the auction target is extensive. Roman auction is the first peak of the development of auction industry in human history, which laid the foundation and set a model for modern auction, and is called the source and originator of modern auction.

Auction originated in ancient Rome, but it was formally formed in modern Europe in 17 and 18 centuries. 1660, 165438+ 10, the old abandoned ship was auctioned in Britain; 1689 February, there was another auction of paintings and manuscripts; The first auction of real estate 1739. Modern European auction is the third milestone in the history of auction in the world, and therefore another peak in the development of auction industry in human history has emerged. Its main manifestations are: a large number of auction institutions appear. 1744 and 1766, Sotheby's and Christie's were established in London respectively. At that time, there were more than 60 auction houses in London, large and small, and the auction industry was very prosperous. 1744 In March, Sotheby's held its first auction, and hundreds of books left by a nobleman were auctioned for 826 pounds. 1766 In February, Christie's held its first auction, and a nobleman left 89 pieces. The auction effect was 176. Two auction houses have been established before and after, and some auction markets have taken shape. The auction industry in Europe and America began to flourish. From London, England to Hamburg, Germany, from Vienna, Austria to Philadelphia, USA, a large number of new auction houses with complete functions have emerged. The Netherlands is good at auctioning agricultural and sideline products, and Britain is good at auctioning works of art, horses, wool and tea. The United States mainly auctions European means of production. Auction laws and regulations have been gradually improved. In 1677, the British anti-fraud law has included an auction clause: "An auctioneer may sign any contract on behalf of the buyer and seller at their request or for the benefit of both parties, so as to facilitate the performance of the contract. The value of land or commodity auction targets involved in such contracts should be above 10. " 1845, Britain promulgated the Law on the Sale of Goods; The Land Auction Law was implemented in 1867; 1893 "the law on the sale of goods" established the auction clause. 190 1 year, the United States clearly established the auction clause in the Uniform Commercial Law.