12: The Fall of the Roman Economy

In this episode of "The Fall of Rome," Patrick Wyman discusses the Roman economy and its decline. He argues that the Roman economy was unique due to its full monetization, market economy characteristics, and the state's role in infrastructure and demand. The episode explores how the Roman state facilitated economic activity through taxation, infrastructure development, and legal enforcement. Wyman contrasts the experiences of different regions, highlighting the catastrophic economic collapse in Britain following the end of Roman rule, as illustrated through the fictional character Antonia, versus the more gradual decline in Mediterranean cities, exemplified by the merchant John in Rome. The episode emphasizes that the Roman economy's defining characteristic was its dense web of connections, which diminished over time, leading to its eventual fall.