Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/201966 
Year of Publication: 
2019
Series/Report no.: 
CESifo Working Paper No. 7740
Publisher: 
Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo), Munich
Abstract: 
We show that the creation of the first integrated pan-European transport network during Roman times influences economic integration over two millennia. Drawing on spatially highly disaggregated data on excavated Roman ceramics, we document that interregional trade was strongly influenced by connectivity within the network. Today, these connectivity differentials continue to influence cross-regional firm investment behaviour. Continuity is largely explained by selective infrastructure routing and cultural integration due to bilateral convergence in preferences and values. Both plausibly arise from network-induced history of repeated socio-economic interaction. We show that our results are Roman-connectivity specific and do not reflect pre-existing patterns of exchange.
Subjects: 
economic integration
Roman trade
transport network connectivity
business links
cultural similarity
JEL: 
F14
F15
F21
N73
R12
R40
O18
Document Type: 
Working Paper
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