Roman Law and Maritime Commerce

This book explores the development of long-distance trade in the Roman world, analyzing the socio-legal framework and its relationship with changes in the legal and institutional apparatus. It highlights the importance of legal and social institutions in the economy of the Roman world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This captivating book delves into the intricate world of long-distance trade in the Roman Empire, uniting the expertise of ancient history, archaeology, and Roman law. Through extensive research and analysis, it offers fresh insights into this significant aspect of Roman society. Recent archaeological discoveries have revealed a remarkable surge in maritime trade across the Mediterranean during the era of the Roman state's expansion abroad. This book explores the multifaceted aspects of this development, shedding light on its intricate relationship with the changes in the legal and institutional framework that supported maritime commerce. It delves into the socio-legal framework that governed maritime trade, providing a novel perspective on the role played by legal and social institutions in the economy of the Roman world.

The book begins by examining the historical background and context of long-distance trade in the Roman Empire. It explores the various routes and modes of transportation used for trade, including the Roman navy, merchant ships, and overland trade networks. It also discusses the economic implications of trade, including the flow of goods, capital, and labor, and the impact it had on the development of cities and regions.

In the next chapter, the book delves into the legal framework that governed maritime trade. It examines the various laws and regulations that were in place, including the Lex Mercatoria, which was a set of commercial laws that were widely adopted throughout the Roman world. It also explores the role of legal institutions, such as courts and arbitration centers, in resolving disputes and enforcing trade agreements.

The third chapter focuses on the social and cultural aspects of maritime trade. It explores the relationships between traders, merchants, and sailors, as well as the impact of trade on the development of social networks and cultural exchange. It also examines the role of religion and morality in shaping maritime trade, and the ways in which these factors influenced the conduct of business.

The fourth chapter examines the impact of maritime trade on the Roman economy. It explores the ways in which trade facilitated the growth of industries and the development of new markets, as well as the ways in which it contributed to the decline of traditional land-based economies. It also discusses the role of trade in the spread of technology and knowledge, and the ways in which it influenced the development of the Roman Empire.

The final chapter summarizes the key findings of the book and offers suggestions for further research. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research in understanding the complex world of long-distance trade in the Roman Empire, and the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the role played by legal and social institutions in the economy of the Roman world.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of long-distance trade in the Roman Empire. By bringing together specialists in ancient history, archaeology, and Roman law, it offers new perspectives on this significant aspect of Roman society. Through extensive research and analysis, it sheds light on the multifaceted aspects of this development, providing a novel understanding of the role played by legal and social institutions in the economy of the Roman world. This captivating book will be of interest to scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in ancient history and the Roman Empire.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474478151