This book examines the relationship between maritime trade and the Roman state's expansion overseas, using recent archaeological work to provide new perspectives on the topic. It explores the socio-legal framework within which maritime trade was conducted and presents a new understanding of the role played by legal and social institutions in the economy of the Roman world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book brings together specialists in ancient history, archaeology, and Roman law to offer fresh insights into long-distance trade in the Roman world. Recent archaeological discoveries have revealed a significant increase in maritime trade across the Mediterranean during the same period when the Roman state was expanding its influence overseas. This book delves into the various aspects of this development and its connection with alterations in the legal and institutional framework that facilitated maritime commerce. By examining the socio-legal environment in which maritime trade took place, the book presents a novel perspective on the role played by legal and social institutions in the economy of the Roman world.

Bringing Together Specialists in Ancient History, Archaeology, and Roman Law to Explore Long-Distance Trade in the Roman World

Recent archaeological work has shed light on the significant increase in maritime trade across the Mediterranean during the same period when the Roman state was expanding its power overseas. This book explores the various aspects of this development and its relationship with changes in the legal and institutional apparatus that supported maritime commerce. By analyzing the socio-legal framework within which maritime trade was conducted, the book presents a new understanding of the role played by legal and social institutions in the economy of the Roman world.

Maritime Trade Intensified during the Roman State's Expansion Overseas

Recent archaeological discoveries have revealed that maritime trade across the Mediterranean intensified greatly at the same time as the Roman state was extending its power overseas. This development was driven by a variety of factors, including the growth of trade networks, the development of new technologies, and the increasing demand for goods and services. Maritime trade played a crucial role in the Roman economy, providing a means of transporting goods and resources across long distances and facilitating the growth of trade networks.

Legal and Institutional Framework for Maritime Commerce

The legal and institutional framework for maritime commerce in the Roman world was complex and multifaceted. It included a range of laws, regulations, and institutions that governed the conduct of maritime trade. These included the Lex Rhodia, which regulated the trade of goods between Rome and the provinces, the Lex Portoria, which regulated the trade of goods between Rome and foreign countries, and the Lex Aquilia, which provided compensation for damages caused by maritime accidents. The legal and institutional framework also included a range of social institutions, such as guilds and trade associations, that played a significant role in the regulation and promotion of maritime trade.

Socio-Legal Framework for Maritime Trade

The socio-legal framework for maritime trade in the Roman world was also complex and multifaceted. It included a range of social norms, values, and practices that governed the conduct of maritime trade. These included the concept of property rights, the concept of contract law, and the concept of maritime law. The socio-legal framework also included a range of social institutions, such as families, communities, and religious organizations, that played a significant role in the regulation and promotion of maritime trade.

Conclusion

This book provides new perspectives on long-distance trade in the Roman world by exploring the various aspects of this development and its relationship with changes in the legal and institutional apparatus that supported maritime commerce. By analyzing the socio-legal framework within which maritime trade was conducted, the book presents a new understanding of the role played by legal and social institutions in the economy of the Roman world. The book will be of interest to scholars and students of ancient history, archaeology, and Roman law, as well as to anyone interested in the history of long-distance trade and the role of legal and social institutions in economic development.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474478144