The Economy of the Roman World

The ancient economy has long been a hotly debated topic. Did citizens of the ancient world understand markets? Did they have economic policies? Did cities produce or consume? What effect did the ager publicus have on production and prices? Now available in English for the first time, Jean Andreau’s latest volume on economic behaviour in the Roman world investigates these questions and more. Translated from the French, The Economy of the Roman World is written for those new to ancient economic issues, and also for those curious about the broader context of artefacts they may know well, like amphorae, glassware or the famous garumfermented fish sauce. All Greek and Latin terms are translated. Each chapter is accompanied by translations of selected original documents from across the Roman Empire: ancient inscriptions, letters, passages from contemporary essayists. Maps of Italy and the Empire mark the many cities and regions that the author discusses in his comprehensive volume.

This first edition in English offers an updated bibliography with attention to works more easily located in an Anglophone context.