The Cambridge Companion to the Roman Economy

A sophisticated introduction to and assessment of all aspects of the Roman Empire's economic life.

Walter Scheidel (Edited by)

9780521898225, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 8 November 2012

458 pages, 6 b/w illus. 1 map 1 table
23.4 x 15.8 x 2.5 cm, 0.85 kg

'The thematic approach taken by [this] companion, and the very useful guide to further reading, makes [it] an excellent teaching resource. There is also much here for researchers of the Roman economy, with the different viewpoints and approaches taken by the numerous authors encouraging further debate on the interpretation of data, and on the issue of economic performance in the Roman world.' Claire Holleran, The Journal of Roman Studies

This book offers readers a comprehensive and innovative introduction to the economy of the Roman Empire. Focusing on the principal determinants, features and consequences of Roman economic development and integrating additional web-based materials, it is designed as an up-to-date survey that is accessible to all audiences. Five main sections discuss theoretical approaches drawn from economics, labor regimes, the production of power and goods, various means of distribution from markets to predation, and the success and ultimate failure of the Roman economy. The book not only covers traditionally prominent features such as slavery, food production and monetization but also highlights the importance of previously neglected aspects such as the role of human capital, energy generation, rent-taking, logistics and human wellbeing, and convenes a group of five experts to debate the nature of Roman trade.

Part I. Introduction: 1. Approaching the Roman economy Walter Scheidel
Part II. Theory: 2. Roman economic thought Gloria Vivenza
3. The contribution of economics Peter Temin
4. Human capital and economic growth Richard Saller
Part III. Labor: 5. Slavery Walter Scheidel
6. Contract labor Dennis Kehoe
Part IV. Production: 7. Raw materials and energy Andrew Wilson
8. Food production Geoffrey Kron
9. Manufacturing Cameron Hawkins
Part V. Distribution: 10. Predation Peter Fibiger Bang
11. Transport Colin Adams
12. Urbanism Paul Erdkamp
13. Money and finance Sitta von Reden
14. A forum on trade Andrew Wilson, Morris Silver, Peter Fibiger Bang, Paul Erdkamp and Neville Morley
Part VI. Outcomes: 15. Physical wellbeing Walter Scheidel
16. Post-imperial economies Simon Loseby.

Subject Areas: Economic history [KCZ], Economics [KC], Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]