Call for abstracts! ‘Interdisciplinary Perspectives into Roman Commerce, Economy and the Acquisition of New Tastes during the Roman Period from the 4th Century BC Onwards’

CALL FOR PAPERS EAA2023 “Weaving Narratives” SESSION #730.

Deadline for abstract submission: 9th 13th February 2023 (extended deadline!)

Interdisciplinary Perspectives into Roman Commerce, Economy and the Acquisition of New Tastes during the Roman Period from the 4th Century BC Onwards

From the 4th century BC onwards, the expansion of the Roman Empire, eventually, over large parts of Europe had a significant impact on society. The creation of a new transport network and the emergence of cities were two of the most important and lasting changes brought about. As Rome expanded and developed contacts with other cultures far beyond the Mediterranean, new tastes and social practices were also acquired, often manifested in material culture. This session aims to explore Roman commerce and economy through different lines of evidence (e.g. archaeobiological remains, ceramics, inscriptions, landscape archaeology etc.). In addition, it aims to investigate the role of the ancient transport network in the process of urbanisation and/or the acquisition of new ‘tastes’.

We encourage papers focusing on Roman trade without chronological or geographical restrictions. Points of discussion could potentially, but not exclusively, include:

  • The role of cities, harbours, rivers and warehouses in the distribution and reuse of amphorae and other shipping containers
  • Social and cultural interactions in trade and exchange
  • Economic power and the social status of traders
  • Methodological issues when dealing with the investigation of ancient trade
  • New technologies to investigate ancient trade, networks and transport
  • Income, customs, religious beliefs, and identities conveyed by goods, trade and traders
  • Dietary habits and stereotypes in the perception of luxury goods
  • Access to luxury goods, the reasons why, and how material culture relates to their trade
  • Tradition and innovation in practices related to trade and manufacturing

Keywords: Roman trade, economy, transportation, consumption, networks, exchange

SESSION ORGANISERS:


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