Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Economy

Embark on a journey through the economic landscape of Roman Britain with our curated reading list.

Delve into the intricate workings of trade, commerce, and production in this fascinating province, where Roman influence intersected with indigenous practices to shape a dynamic economy. Our selection of scholarly works offers insights into various aspects of the Roman British economy, including agricultural production, mining, industry, and urban development. Explore the role of Roman infrastructure, such as roads and ports, in facilitating trade and connectivity across the province, and discover the economic impact of Roman military presence and urbanization. Engage with leading experts such as Rivet, Greene, and Dark, who offer nuanced analyses of archaeological evidence, inscriptions, and literary sources to unravel the complexities of Roman Britain’s economic systems. Whether you’re interested in the mechanics of Roman trade or the socio-economic dynamics of provincial life, our reading list provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the economic foundations of Roman Britain.

General

  • Greene, K., The archaeology of the Roman economy, London, 1986.
  • Millett, M., Revell, L. & Moore, A.J., The Oxford handbook of Roman Britain, Oxford, 2016, Ch. 26, 34-35, 38-40.

Further Reading

  • Applebaum, S., ‘Some Observations on the Economy of the Roman Villa at Bignor, Sussex’ in Britannia Vol.6, 1975, 118-132.
  • Bishop, M.C., The secret history of the Roman roads of Britain, Barnsley, 2014.
  • Dark, K.R. & Dark, P., The landscape of Roman Britain, Stroud, 1997.
  • Dark, P., The environment of Britain in the first millennium, London, 2000.
  • Hanley, R., Villages in Roman Britain, Princes Risborough, 2000.
  • Hingley, R., Rural settlement in Roman Britain, London, 1989.
  • Margary, I.D., Roman roads in Britain, London, 1973.
  • Moorhead, S. & Payne, S., A History of Roman Coinage in Britain, Witham, 2013.
  • Redfern, R.C., ‘Blind to Chains? The Potential of Bioarchaeology for Identifying the Enslaved of Roman Britain’ in Britannia Vol.49, 2018, 251-282.
  • Rivet, A.L.F., Town and country in Roman Britain, London, 1964.
  • Rivet, A.L.F., The Roman villa in Britain, London, 1969.
  • Walthew, C.V., ‘The Town House and the Villa House in Roman Britain’in Britannia Vol.6, 1975, 189-205.