Enrichment Assignment�������� Ancient
Trade Routes and Currency Help the Romans Build a Stronger Empire
You have learned that A key part of any economy is trade. As the empire grew, the Romans promoted trade by improving trade routes and providing a single currency, or form of money. Let�s look at how these steps helped the Romans grow their economy and strengthen their empire.
At its height during the 100s c.e., the Trade also brought valuable goods from outside the empire. Caravans brought goods to busy port cities on the The Romans improved these trade routes and created new ones. They built harbors, canals, and a vast system of roads. While it lasted, the Pax Romana (Roman Peace) provided the order and stability that trade required. The Roman army made the roads and sea routes safe for traders. In turn, trade helped the economy grow. People in each area of the empire could sell what they grew or made to people in other areas who could use these goods. They could also buy things that they couldn�t produce for themselves. For instance, the city of
Trade Routes
The people who made up the Coins were made of silver, gold, and sometimes bronze. The value of each coin was equal to the value of the metal it contained. Everyone learned to use the same coins, which made it much easier to set prices and to buy and sell goods (and pay taxes). Besides making trade easier, coins helped the government to communicate with people. Inscriptions and images on the coins sent messages from The images on some coins symbolized values, qualities, or ideas that were important to the Romans. When Americans see the Statue of Liberty, they think of freedom. For Romans, the goddess Felicitas stood for happiness. Emperors used the image of Felicitas to symbolize the blessings of Roman rule. Our coins don�t often change. Roman coins were different. At a time when there were no newspapers, radio, or television, emperors regularly issued new coins that reflected the news of the day. The first emperor, Caesar Augustus, issued over 100 types of coins during his long reign. Emperors also used coins to publicize their efforts and accomplishments. They put their own images on the coins. (Augustus chose to show himself as a young man even after he had aged.) Often they added messages about victories in wars or important construction projects. Many messages were intended to persuade people that Roman rule was good for them. One coin, for example, showed a female figure holding a cornucopia (a horn-shaped container overflowing with food) and ears of grain. The image was meant to communicate that the emperor was making sure his people had enough grain to make food. The Romans, then, used coins not only to make trade easier but also to unify the empire. While Roman currency remained strong, it helped the empire to prosper. In the later years of the empire, Roman coins lost a good part of their value. This was one sign of a weakening economy�and of mounting troubles in the empire.
Currency System
Design a coin to be used for trade in the
Enrichment Activity
� | On one side, create a visual that celebrates the empire�s trade routes. You might focus on some of the valuable products that were traded or on some of the ways that the Romans made trade easier. |
� | On the other side, create a visual that celebrates the empire�s rule. You might focus on important Roman values, or an emperor�s achievements, or on why Roman rule was good for the empire�s people. |
� | Add colorful and creative touches to make your coin more authentic. |