Metropolis and Hinterland

Focusing on the relationship between ancient Rome and its surrounding regions, this book challenges the view of Rome as merely a 'consumer city.' It explores how the city's immense population, sustained by taxes and rents, significantly influenced the Italian economy. By examining recent archaeological findings and comparative data, the author argues that Rome's demands for food and labor catalyzed transformations in agriculture, marketing, and urbanization across Italy, reshaping the economic landscape of the era.