Mercantile Specialization and Trading Communities: Economic Strategies in Roman Maritime Trade

Abstract

This chapter discusses the economic strategies of maritime traders. It starts from the observation that the epigraphic evidence for negotiatores suggests that specialization among traders was widespread, and that, by focusing on a particular niche, traders could become successful entrepreneurs. The chapter analyses an array of strategies for maritime trade and transport, and shows how each of these strategies can also be traced back in our evidence, which suggests that trade practice in the Roman Mediterranean was flexible and adapted to specific economic circumstances. To enhance their chances for economic success some traders formed permanent trading communities in key port cities.

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