Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration

Matthias Flückiger (), Erik Hornung, Mario Larch, Markus Ludwig and Allard Mees ()
Additional contact information
Matthias Flückiger: University of York, York, YO105DD, United Kingdom
Allard Mees: Romano-Germanic Central Museum-Leibniz Archaeological Research Institute, Ernst-Ludwig-Platz 2, 55116 Mainz, Germany

No 51, ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series from University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany

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)
Pages: 95 pages
Date: 2021-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-his, nep-int and nep-ure
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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https://www.econtribute.de/RePEc/ajk/ajkdps/ECONtribute_051_2021.pdf First version, 2021 (application/pdf)

Related works:
Journal Article: Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration (2022)
Working Paper: Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration (2019)
Working Paper: Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration (2019)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ajk:ajkdps:051

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