Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration
74 Pages Posted: 30 Jul 2019
There are 2 versions of this paper
Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration
Date Written: July 2019
Abstract
We show that the creation of the first integrated 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 interregional trade was strongly influenced by connectivity within the network. Today, these connectivity differentials continue to influence cross-regional firm investment behaviour. Continuity is largely explained by selective infrastructure routing and cultural integration due to bilateral convergence in preferences and values. Both plausibly arise from network-induced history of repeated socio-economic interaction. We show that our results are Roman-connectivity specific and do not reflect pre-existing patterns of exchange.
Keywords: business links, cultural similarity, economic integration, Roman trade, transport network connectivity
JEL Classification: F15, F21, N73, O18, R12, R40
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Matthias Flueckiger (Contact Author)
Queen's University Belfast - Queen's Management School ( email )
Riddel Hall
185 Stranmillis Road
Belfast, BT9 5EE
United Kingdom
Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?
Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration
This is a CEPR Discussion Paper. CEPR charges a fee of $8.00 for this paper.
If you wish to purchase the right to make copies of this paper for distribution to others, please select the quantity.
