ECONOMY TOURS

During the Republic, the Economy was a huge factor. Their currency used, bronze, silver, brass, and copper coins. One coin is about $15-29 today. The coinage system was very popular throughout the Romans’ trade network, and made bartering of lesser use. Trade was also very important to them because they were right in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, making it easy access to places throughout the Mediterranean: Spain, Greece, North Africa, Southwest Asia.



Unlike today’s US economy, the Roman economy was based off of slaves. Slaves represented 1/3 of the Roman population. Another big part of the economy was farming. The main products of farming were grains, olives, and grapes. The main export was olive oil and wine.

The Romans had a vast trade network. They had trade routes by land throughout Europe, and sea routes to Europe, Asia, and Africa. They traded for silks in Asia, cotton and spices from India, ivory and animals from Africa, mined metals from Spain and Britain, gems from Germany, and slaves from conquered territories.

The Romans highly valued the importance of agriculture. Farmers grew grains, olives, and grapes. They also grew a lot of surplus crops. However, this lead to more taxation, so the citizens had to grow their own crops, and had to depend on large amounts of trade import.

Even though agriculture was a large industry in Rome, mining was also very important. They acquired metals from places throughout Europe, and used them to build buildings and make weapons, jewelry, and textiles.

Above is the front and back of a Caesar coin from the Republic Era. (http://www.romancoins.info/NeroMacellum.jpg)

Above is a Roman gold mine. (http://www.llandovery-caravan-camping-park.co.uk/images/gold_mine.jpg)