The contribution of archaeology to Roman economics. General conclusions

Abstract

The aim of this conference is to organize the thoughts generated by the presentation of the data in such a way as to stimulate a real debate on the Roman economy, based on the most up-to-date research. Emphasis is placed on the nature and quantity of agricultural production destined for the market and trade, on changes in both technology and the way capital was invested, and on the functioning of long-distance trade both within and outside the Empire. We felt it necessary to place all the previous contributions, devoted respectively to villas, production and trade, in the context of the new archaeological and epistemological developments in the field of Roman economy.

This contribution will draw together the threads of the series by looking at the contribution of archaeology to the debate about the Roman economy, with particular emphasis on the following themes: the scale and nature of market-oriented agricultural production; urban economies; technological change and capital investment; and long-distance trade both within and outside the empire. In particular, it will seek to contextualise the various contributions of the series, on villas, production, and trade, within the current status of the debate on the Roman economy.