The ancient economy has long been a hotly debated topic. Did citizens of
the ancient world understand markets? Did they have economic policies?
Did cities produce or consume? What effect did the ager publicus have on
production and prices? Now available in English for the first time, Jean
Andreau's latest volume on economic behavior in the Roman world
investigates these questions and more. Translated from the French, The
Economy of the Roman World is written for those new to ancient economic
issues, and also for those curious about the broader context of
artifacts they may know well, like amphorae, glassware, or the famous
garumfermented fish sauce. All Greek and Latin terms are translated.
Each chapter is accompanied by translations of selected original
documents from across the Roman Empire: ancient inscriptions, letters,
passages from contemporary essayists. Maps of Italy and the Empire mark
the many cities and regions that the author discusses in his
comprehensive volume.