Review of Economic Studies Vol. 89 No. 2 2022

Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration

Matthias Flückiger¹; Erik Hornung²; Mario Larch³; Markus Ludwig⁴; Allard Mees⁵

¹ University of York · ² CAGE, CEPR, CESifo, ECONtribute, and University of Cologne · ³ CEPII, CESifo, GEP, and University of Bayreuth · ⁴ CESifo and Technical University of Braunschweig · ⁵ Romano-Germanic Central Museum - Leibniz Archaeological Research Institute

Abstract

We show that the creation of the first integrated multi-modal pan-European transport network during Roman times influences economic integration over two millennia. Drawing on spatially highly disaggregated data on excavated Roman ceramics, we document that contemporary interregional trade was influenced by connectivity within the network. Today, these connectivity differentials continue to influence integration as approximated by cross-regional firm investment behaviour. Continuity is partly explained by selective infrastructure routing and cultural integration due to bilateral convergence in preferences and values. We show that our results are Roman-connectivity specific and do not reflect pre-existing patterns of exchange using pre-Roman trade data.

DOI

10.1093/restud/rdab036

Volume

89

Issue

2

Pages

774-810

Language

en

Sources

bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

Cite

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