The Roman Empire produced, imported, and exported a variety of goods. The government attempted to control this trade through several means, including enticing shipowners to sign contracts with the state and supplying grain to the populace. The collection of taxes was carried out by publicani at the local level, but the system was imprecise, and reforms by Augustus and Diocletian show that taxation was an ongoing issue.

In many ways, the military was an extension of Rome’s attempts at economic domination. Areas conquered by the army could contribute resources to the economy, especially Egypt as Rome’s primary supplier of grain. Rome was in perpetual conflict by the time of the later empire, and despite the incentives for service in the army, these military engagements must have taken a toll on the Roman people.

All images referenced in this podcast can be found at https://openstax.org/books/world-history-volume-1/pages/7-3-the-roman-economy-trade-taxes-and-conquest

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