Pliny's Roman Economy

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This study delves into Pliny the Elder’s economic thought and its significance for understanding the limitations of innovation and economic growth in the Roman Empire. Pliny’s Natural History (77 CE), a vast compilation of 20,000 entries, aimed to serve as a resource for craftsmen and farmers. However, its complexity and expense hindered its practical use. Richard Saller demonstrates that this work provides unparalleled insights into Roman economic concepts. Pliny’s perspective sometimes aligns with modern economic theory, yet also highlights why Rome saw minimal major inventions that fostered sustained growth. He believed that new knowledge emerged through chance or divine influence rather than human effort, dismissing the notion of research and development. His list of 136 great inventions primarily features prehistoric examples, notably excluding any from Rome, reflecting a reverence for the past that contrasts sharply with the innovative spirit of later centuries. Additionally, Pliny astutely recognized that the absence of competition from other states stifled innovation incentives. Saller critiques recent attempts to assess the Roman economy using scientific climate data, arguing they are flawed. By examining Pliny’s views on discovery and growth, this work contributes significantly to the discourse on economic development in ancient Rome.