Roman Transport Network Connectivity and Economic Integration

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Flueckiger, Matthias; Hornung, Erik; Larch, Mario; Ludwig, Markus; Mees, Allard
• 署名单位: University of York - UK; Leibniz Association; Ifo Institut; University of Cologne; Leibniz Association; Ifo Institut; University of Bayreuth; Leibniz Association; Ifo Institut; Braunschweig University of Technology
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMIC STUDIES
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6527
• DOI: 10.1093/restud/rdab036
• 发表日期: 2022
• 页码: 774-810
• 关键词: INTERNATIONAL-TRADE; social networks; urban-growth; railroads; distance; determinants; persistence; TECHNOLOGY; INVESTMENT; BUSINESS

摘要

We show that the creation of the first integrated multi-modal 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 contemporary interregional trade was influenced by connectivity within the network. Today, these connectivity differentials continue to influence integration as approximated by cross-regional firm investment behaviour. Continuity is partly explained by selective infrastructure routing and cultural integration due to bilateral convergence in preferences and values. We show that our results are Roman-connectivity specific and do not reflect pre-existing patterns of exchange using pre-Roman trade data.