Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration

Erik Hornung, Matthias Flueckiger, Mario Larch, Markus Ludwig and Allard Mees

No 13838, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

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.

Keywords: Economic integration; Roman trade; Transport network connectivity; Business links; Cultural similarity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F14 F15 F21 N73 O18 R12 R40 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019-07
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-evo, nep-geo, nep-his, nep-int, nep-net and nep-tre
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration (2022)
Working Paper: Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration (2021)
Working Paper: Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration (2019)
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