How Did The Provinces Affect The Roman Economy

Discuss how the provinces affected the general Roman economy. Despite its magnificent size, the Roman economy was limited technologically, as it was heavily based on the slave trade to produce the needs of the Empire and for the vast city of Rome itself. As slaves did almost all the work, there was little incentive for the wealthy of Rome to invest in much beyond land ownership and the agricultural industry, which they considered of greater importance than trade or commerce with other lands. As Rome grew, the wealthy became idle, the common people became dependent on the grain dole, and millions of slaves needed to be fed. In addition, the elite became voracious consumers of all manner of food stuffs and luxury goods, and after the Second

Hence, the imports of grains, wine, olives, marble, metals, meats, art, and other goods, including slaves, needed to be imported from the Roman provinces to provide enough for both the hungry millions of Rome along with its leaders, those insatiable, idle consumers of everything the provinces could offer. While the provinces were required to support themselves, they also had to supply Rome's treasury with taxes, tributes, and goods. In fact, since conquered provinces like Egypt, Tunisia, and Sicily were strong producers of grain, one of the most important of Rome's needs, any disruption of shipments would result in severe penalties, including execution (UNRV.com, 2003). Additionally, the Roman emperor might seize vast resources for himself, such as almost all the corn in the Roman territories of North Africa, which were taken by Nero (Kamm,

The people would suffer more and more want, and yet the amount of territory and goods controlled and imported by Rome from its provinces was vast and varied, from fine cloth to precious metals, wild animals to cereals. As well, Rome developed a sophisticated coinage system to further facilitate buying and selling, though most of that wealth, too, remained in the hands of the same elite, who built and took advantage of the extensive Roman roads, sea routes, and the military to keep their own profit flowing. Ultimately, Rome's economy was a complex beast with little thought of sustainability. Rather, territories were conquered by the huge Roman army, and profit from taxes and new access to goods soon resulted, giving the corrupt and greedy the confidence that resources would be unlimited. Sustainability nor employment opportunities were not a consideration, and the common people could do nothing but live with it and tell themselves that it was traditional and good for Rome while watching the free shows that the rich paid for to keep them pliable and