Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration

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

No 7740, CESifo Working Paper Series from CESifo

Abstract: We show that the creation of the first integrated 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 interregional trade was strongly influenced by connectivity within the network. Today, these connectivity differentials continue to influence cross-regional firm investment behaviour. Continuity is largely explained by selective infrastructure routing and cultural integration due to bilateral convergence in preferences and values. Both plausibly arise from network-induced history of repeated socio-economic interaction. We show that our results are Roman-connectivity specific and do not reflect pre-existing patterns of exchange.

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
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-his, nep-int, nep-tid and nep-tre
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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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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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ces:ceswps:_7740

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