Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration

Arbeitspapier

We show that the creation of the first integrated multi-modal pan-European transport network during Roman times influences economic integration over two millennia. Drawing on spatially highly disaggregated data on excavated Roman ceramics, we document that contemporary interregional trade was influenced by connectivity within the network. Today, these connectivity differentials continue to influence integration as approximated by cross-regional firm investment behaviour. Continuity is partly explained by selective infrastructure routing and cultural integration due to bilateral convergence in preferences and values. We show that our results are Roman-connectivity specific and do not reflect pre-existing patterns of exchange using pre-Roman trade data.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: ECONtribute Discussion Paper ; No. 051

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Empirical Studies of Trade ; Economic Integration ; International Investment; Long-term Capital Movements ; Economic History: Transport, Trade, Energy, Technology, and Other Services: Europe: Pre-1913 ; Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity ; Transportation Economics: General ; Economic Development: Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
• Subject: Economic integration ; Roman trade ; transport network connectivity ; business links ; cultural similarity

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Flückiger, Matthias ; Hornung, Erik ; Larch, Mario ; Ludwig, Markus ; Mees, Allard W.
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Reinhard Selten Institute (RSI)
• (where): Bonn and Cologne
• (when): 2021

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/228854
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:45 AM CET