Trade in the Roman Empire

This chapter examines the archaeological evidence for the evolution and significance of trade in the Roman Empire, demonstrating that trade in staple goods was widespread and critical to the Roman economy. It explores various facets of Roman trade, including long-distance trade in pottery, the state's role in facilitating trade through infrastructure investments, and the importance of trade beyond the empire's frontiers. It discusses shifts in trade patterns, such as the rise of Gaulish pottery production centres that eventually supplanted Italian dominance in the pottery market. The chapter also addresses the complexities of trade logistics, highlighting how transportation costs influenced distribution patterns across different regions. Additionally, it examines the broader implications of trade flows in relatively low-value goods, like tablewares and cooking wares, underscoring the scale and competitiveness of interprovincial markets. By integrating archaeological findings with historical analysis, the chapter attempts to provide a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms and impacts of trade within and beyond the Roman Empire, offering insights into the economic integration and connectivity that underpinned the empire’s prosperity. The study concludes that Roman trade was far more complex and extensive than previously acknowledged, with significant implications for our understanding of the ancient economy.