The Economy of Ancient Rome

Overview

• Focus on the economic practices of ancient Romans, including natural resources, production, trade, and transportation.
• Economy: Defined as how a civilization makes money through buying and selling goods and services.

Natural Resources and Agriculture

• Geography:
  • Located on the Italian peninsula, also known as the Apennine peninsula.
  • Limited flat, farmable land due to mountain ranges.
• Adaptations:
  • Raised livestock such as sheep, goats, and pigs that required minimal land.
  • Cultivated crops needing little water: barley, wheat, olive trees, grapes, and citrus fruits.
  • Utilized the Tiber River for irrigation.

Production and Technology

• Artisans:
  • Produced clay jars and wool cloth.
• Technological Advances:
  • Development of iron farming tools enhanced agricultural efficiency.
• Population growth due to increased farming efficiency.

Trade and Transportation

• Infrastructure:
  • Constructed durable roads for local trade.
• Trade Goods:
  • Surplus of grains and oils facilitated trade.
• Waterways:
  • Tiber River offered a fjord, aiding sea trade.
  • Major seaports in Alexandria and Antioch.

Trade Networks

• Sea Trade:
  • Routes to Greece, Spain, North Africa, India, and Asian kingdoms.
  • Preferred sea routes over the Silk Road due to cost efficiency.
• Trade Products:
  • Exchanged meats, vegetables, cloth, sandals, pottery for foreign goods like precious metals, marble, silk, and spices.

Activity: Track the Trade Goods

• Game Explanation:
  • Players track products to their destinations on a map.
• Examples:
  • Lemons: Traveled to Mesopotamia.
  • Pottery: Traveled to Egypt.
  • Olive Oil: Traveled to India.

Conclusion

• Economic motivation for ancient Romans was tied to crop cultivation, product creation, and extensive trade.
• Reflect on how modern businesses are similarly motivated by economic gains.

Acknowledgments

• Thanks to teachers using Instructomania resources.
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