Roman Economy Essay

Bernie Sanders once said, “A nation will not survive morally or economically when so few have so much, while so many have so little.” This statement accurately represents the Roman economy. Rome started out as a small city-state, but developed into a large empire because of its economy. The wealthy population of Rome nearly controlled the economy, while the poor lived difficult lives. Though much of the power rested with the rich, the growth in the economy was accomplished by the work done by slaves and civilians. This work included the construction of roads, farming, building, and running of ports. The economy of Rome rose up due to its natural terrain and the back-breaking work of the people. Even though the economy built Rome, it destroyed …show more content…
Some well-known Roman leaders were Julius Caesar and Constantine, but the unpopular leaders like Nero and Domitian were successful when it came to the economy. This was mostly caused by the pride that each leader felt when it came to upholding his position. When a territory was taken over the leader had to quickly place a governor in that region, build roads, and establish ports. Ports were a key factor in Rome’s economic success because of its geographical placement. These ports include Gades, Ostia, Alexandria, and Antioch. The leaders of Rome were not just concerned about direct economics, they were also concerned with the laws of economics. Roman law prohibited senators from getting into trade and business. This allowed for the members of the Senate to completely focus on necessary laws, and ensured that the Senators’ decisions did not interfere with their investments. Although this law existed, the rich still controlled the …show more content…
The roads of the Empire could be considered the veins and arteries of a human body. Roads supplied whatever a part of Rome needed. The ports and navy of Rome could be compared to the hands of Rome. Exports and imports coming and going through ports supplied Rome with the goods its consumers wanted, retrieving anything the body or Empire needed. Slaves of Rome are just like the muscles of the body; slaves did the hard work on farms and in other jobs to make sure Rome was fully functional. The military of Rome is like white blood cells, which fought off intruders to ensure the Empire’s safety. The government and the leaders of Rome were the brain of a body. The Roman government ensured that the rest of the “body” was doing what it needed to do. The last component is the heart. The people of Rome represent the heart. Without the people, Rome would cease to exist. Rome functioned tirelessly in the same manner that the human body works every day. Without the great variables contributing to the economy, Rome would never have flourished. Bernie would agree that the rich of Rome suppressed the poor, and this is why Rome