Homo Oeconomicus Romanus

This study examines how economic activity and structures in the Roman Empire can be understood beyond modern economic models. It argues that concepts such as homo oeconomicus or purely market-centered approaches do not adequately capture the complexity of ancient economies. Instead, it emphasizes economic practice, social embedding, and the imperial context. The methodology combines qualitative and quantitative archaeological data, particularly ceramic finds, with concepts from the social and economic sciences. A central element is the use of agent-based modeling to analyze the behavior of economic actors in simulated markets. The simulations distinguish between three actor types, aggressive, conservative, and random, and test their comparability within a reconstructed ancient economic system. The results are compared with archaeological evidence to identify possible economic dynamics and patterns of action. The empirical basis consists mainly of ceramic datasets used as indicators of production, trade intensity, and regional connectivity. Special attention is given to the distribution of transport amphorae and fine wares such as sigillata, which serve as markers of trade networks and economic organization. The simulations suggest that traders’ behavioral patterns are more decisive than external factors. Aggressive strategies are not necessarily the most successful in the long term; flexible and context-dependent behavior proves more effective. This corresponds with archaeological evidence, where economic success appears linked less to maximum production or distribution than to regional integration, social networks, and situational adaptation. The study concludes with the heuristic concept of a “homo oeconomicus Romanus,” describing an actor whose decisions are shaped by social ties, political opportunities, and cultural norms rather than pure profit maximization.

Level thesis:degree_level

thesis.doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher

Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel

Year

2026

Author dc:creator

• Zerzeropulos, Katharina

Contributors dc:contributor

• Nakoinz, Oliver
• Paliou, Eleftheria

• Roman economy
• ABM
• Modelling

Repository record source_url

https://macau.uni-kiel.de/receive/macau_mods_00008061

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:macau.uni-kiel.de:macau_mods_00008061