Risk in the Roman World

This book challenges the view that the inhabitants of the ancient world were dominated by fate and exposed to fewer risks, showing that they inhabited a world full of danger and employed a variety of ways to help control risk. It also examines the sophisticated areas of expertise such as law, logistics, and maritime loans, as well as religious expertise in dream interpretation and oracles, which developed new ways of dealing with the future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Modern risk studies have often portrayed the inhabitants of the ancient world as being dominated by fate and exposed to fewer risks. However, this captivating and groundbreaking new book challenges these prevailing views. It demonstrates that the Romans inhabited a world fraught with danger, and they not only comprehended the uncertainty surrounding them but also employed a diverse range of strategies to influence future outcomes.

The first section of the book delves into the array of cultural attitudes and traditional practices that served as tools for risk control, particularly among the non-elite population. It also explores the increasingly sophisticated domains of expertise, such as law, logistics, and maritime loans, which systematically reduced uncertainty. Moreover, religious expertise, in the form of dream interpretation and oracles, emerged as a novel approach to navigating the future, shedding light on ancient attitudes toward risk.

By examining these various aspects, the book offers a fresh perspective on the ancient world, challenging the notion that they were solely governed by fate and exposed to limited risks. It highlights the Romans' proactive approach to managing uncertainty and their ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment. This insightful work will appeal to scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the complex relationship between risk, culture, and history.

ISBN-13: 9781108723213