Akarsu, OsmanÖzbay, Ramazan2026-01-242026-01-2420252148-2586https://search.trdizin.gov.tr/tr/yayin/detay/1350609https://doi.org/10.15295/bmij.v13i2.2564https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12868/3907This study aims to trace the evolution of entrepreneurial thought from its earliest emergence, when it had not yet become a distinct scientific discipline, to the present day, highlighting entrepreneurial concepts that predate Cantillon and have taken shape across different civilisations throughout history. Using a detailed literature review and document analysis, this study examines secondary sources, including ancient manuscripts and legal texts. The findings reveal that although entrepreneurship in ancient and medieval times did not exist in its modern form, it developed within structured legal, social, and economic frameworks, adapting to the unique conditions of each period. These entrepreneurial activities evolved progressively and interdependently, highlighting both the constructive and disruptive forces of historical change. This study contributes to the literature on entrepreneurship history by offering a documentary review of pre-Cantillonian entrepreneurship, emphasising its deep-rooted presence in economic and societal structures.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessHistory of EntrepreneurshipPre-Cantillon EntrepreneurshipAncient EntrepreneurshipMedieval EntrepreneurshipArticle10.15295/bmij.v13i2.25641326756991350609