Trade
Michelle Anne Reese
HUM231
February 15, 2016
Dr. DeVries
Trade
“The greatness of the Roman Empire was due in part to its ability to acquire goods from around the known world, and even from places beyond the Empire’s direct influence” (Scott, 2001, p.16). Trade played a major role in the expansion of the Roman Empire. The growing population required them to find new ways to increase revenue and the need to increase the amount of food production arose, to support the enormous growing population. Trade in the Roman Empire involved foodstuffs (e.g. olives, cereals, and wine), animal products (e.g. leather and hides), objects made from wood, glass, metal, textiles, pottery, and other materials (for use in manufacturing and construction). The Romans also had a substantial slave trade. …show more content…
There were many sea routes that covered the Mediterranean and Black Seas and land routes that used roads built by the Romans. The roads were built primarily for use in trade, but they were also used by the Roman Army. Although, Rome was celebrated for their construction of roads, it was significantly cheaper to transport goods by sea. However, it was more dangerous; due to the unpredictable weather and theft from piracy. One of the most important ports was at Ostia, approximately 15 miles from Rome. Ships arrived at Ostia and their goods were quickly transferred to Rome on barges via the River Tiber. The Romans were determined to make sea travel safe by building lighthouses and docks and by having the Roman Navy patrol the harbors and docks to deter
Michelle Anne Reese
HUM231
February 15, 2016
Dr. DeVries
Trade
“The greatness of the Roman Empire was due in part to its ability to acquire goods from around the known world, and even from places beyond the Empire’s direct influence” (Scott, 2001, p.16). Trade played a major role in the expansion of the Roman Empire. The growing population required them to find new ways to increase revenue and the need to increase the amount of food production arose, to support the enormous growing population. Trade in the Roman Empire involved foodstuffs (e.g. olives, cereals, and wine), animal products (e.g. leather and hides), objects made from wood, glass, metal, textiles, pottery, and other materials (for use in manufacturing and construction). The Romans also had a substantial slave trade. …show more content…
There were many sea routes that covered the Mediterranean and Black Seas and land routes that used roads built by the Romans. The roads were built primarily for use in trade, but they were also used by the Roman Army. Although, Rome was celebrated for their construction of roads, it was significantly cheaper to transport goods by sea. However, it was more dangerous; due to the unpredictable weather and theft from piracy. One of the most important ports was at Ostia, approximately 15 miles from Rome. Ships arrived at Ostia and their goods were quickly transferred to Rome on barges via the River Tiber. The Romans were determined to make sea travel safe by building lighthouses and docks and by having the Roman Navy patrol the harbors and docks to deter