Maritime Trade in the Eastern Mediterranean: A Quantitative Analysis of Shipwreck Data from the Hellenistic Period Through Late Antiquity (Fourth Century BCE–Seventh Century CE)

Paolo Cimadomo () and Carla Galluccio
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Paolo Cimadomo: Sapienza University of Rome
Carla Galluccio: Independent researcher

Chapter Chapter 7 in Network Analysis for Economic, Business and Financial History, 2026, pp 209-231 from Palgrave Macmillan

Abstract: Abstract This study analyzes shipwreck data from the Eastern Mediterranean to investigate long-term trends in maritime trade from the Hellenistic period through Late Antiquity (fourth century BCE—seventh century CE). By aggregating information from existing datasets and applying quantitative methods, including Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), the research identifies patterns in cargo types, trade routes, and regional economic activity. The analysis reveals a pronounced upward trend in shipwrecks until the first century BCE, followed by a decline and a resurgence in the Late Roman period, particularly the sixth century CE. Regional variations and the influence of factors such as political events, the rise of Constantinople, and evolving trade networks are also explored. The study underscores the importance of shipwreck data for reconstructing ancient economies and highlights the potential for integrating archaeological and historical evidence to develop a more comprehensive understanding of maritime trade in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Keywords: Late Antiquity; Late Roman period; Ancient economies; Shipwreck data; Maritime archaeology; Economic history; Quantitative methods; Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA); Long-term trends (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:pal:palscp:978-3-032-21355-6_7

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-21355-6_7

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