Comparative advantage, specialized viticulture, and the economic development of Gallia Narbonensis

Bibliographic Data

ID12373447
AuthorsCandace Rice (0000-0003-1354-2397, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume36
Issue2
Pages261-299
Publication date2023-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Roman Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1047-7594 • E-ISSN: 2331-5709
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s1047759423000508
OpenAlexW4390726076
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited51

This paper explores the processes of specialized viticulture in the province of Gallia Narbonensis over the first three centuries CE and brings this evidence to bear on broader economic questions, particularly as they relate to the effects of connectivity and globalization on Roman economic development. Evidence from small farms to sprawling villas suggests that specialized production stretched across multiple strata of society in Narbonensis, from so-called peasants to the wealthiest elites. The existence of specialized agricultural production at the scale documented in Narbonensis required significant demand, well-connected and integrated markets, sustained trade, and an awareness of these economic factors by the residents of the province. The evidence presented here demonstrates that the residents of Narbonensis recognized that they were part of an economic environment in which high levels of connectivity and integrated markets allowed them to pursue more profitable production strategies and that they pursued these opportunities

Agriculture · Archaeology · Business · Economics · Geography · Globalization · Market economy · Production (economics · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Classical Antiquity Studies