Land transport in Roman Egypt : a study of economics and administration in a Roman province / Colin Adams.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Adams, C. E. P. (Colin E. P.)

Series:

Oxford classical monographs

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Transportation--Egypt--History.

Transportation.

History.

Egypt--Economic conditions.

Egypt.

Economic conditions.

Physical Description:

xiv, 331 pages : maps ; 23 cm.

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2007.

Summary:

The papyri of Egypt provide an unparalleled insight into how this important Roman province actually worked. They also afford a valuable window into ancient economic behaviour and everyday life. This is the life systematic treatment of the role of land transport within the economic life of Roman Egypt, an everyday economic activity at the centre of the economy not only of Egypt but of the Roman world. Colin Adams studies the economics of animal ownership, the role of transport in the commercial and agricultural economies of Egypt, and how the Roman state used provincial resources to meet its own transport demands. He reveals a complex relationship between private individuals and the state in their use of transport resources; a dynamic and rational economy; and the economic and administrative behaviour that was imposed when an imperial power made demands upon a province. His study makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the ancient economy and of the workings of Roman provincial government in general.

Contents:

Introduction : transport and the economy of the Roman world

The geography, topography and land transport networks of Egypt

Transport animals and wagons

Animal use and maintenance

Animal trade and ownership

State control of animal ownership

Animal requisition

State grain transport

Deserts and military supply

Trade and transport

Transport and the land economy

Conclusion.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [292]-314) and index.

ISBN:

0199203970

9780199203970

OCLC:

72798344