Peter Temin
The Economy of the Early Roman Empire
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
many inhabitants ancient rome lived well tourists marvel temples baths roads aqueducts built economists also want understand existence flourishing apparently prosperous economy two millennia ago market institutions stable government appear combination produced remarkable result essay provides economists view roman economy emphasizes role markets focus early roman empire 27 bce around 200 ce begin indications suggesting standard living ancient rome similar early modern period seventeenth eighteenth century europe extraordinary achievement economy ancient world argue ancient rome managed achieve high standard living combined operation moderately stable political conditions markets goods labor capital allowed specialization efficiency surveying labor financial markets turn return broad questions romans prospered economy appears grown