Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration

TLDR

The study uses highly disaggregated Roman ceramic data to show that interregional trade was shaped by network connectivity, with continuity partly driven by selective infrastructure routing and cultural integration through bilateral convergence of preferences and values. The creation of the first integrated pan‑European transport network during Roman times has influenced economic integration for two millennia, with contemporary connectivity differentials still affecting cross‑regional firm investment, and the effect is specific to Roman connectivity rather than pre‑existing trade patterns.

Abstract

Abstract 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.