Agriculture in Ancient Rome

Roman agriculture never deleoped into any kind of complex system. The economy of Rome was based on simple farming and slavery which was used to feed the citizens and soldiery in the region.

The main crops of Rome were various grains, olives and grapes. Olive oil and wine were also important products and were often exported.

Farmers could donate surplus crops to the government in lieu of a monetary tax. This system allowed both republican and imperial rulers to gain popularity with the masses through free grain distribution and also help to feed the legions at no direct cost. Unfortunately it also left farmers with little incentive to increase productivity or output, since more crop translated to more taxes and more free grain distributions.

It also meant that citizens grew dependent on free handouts and the need to provide a secure source of grain was one of the main reasons the Roman state had to expand and conquer new territories, notably in North Africa and Sicily.

Ostia, the official port of Rome, received all shipments of grain. From here it was shipped up the Tiber to the city itself for distribution throughout the empire.

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