The Sea as Rome’s Highway
The Romans understood that
moving goods by sea was far more efficient and faster than sending them by land.
Some of the items were so bulky and heavy that transporting them by land over a
long distance would have been impossible, and certainly not a sensible business
proposition. However, a single merchant ship could carry cargo equivalent to
hundreds of carts. Grain from North Africa fed the population of Rome, wine traveled
from across the Mediterranean, and luxury goods flowed in from the eastern
provinces.
Maritime archaeology allows us
to reconstruct these trade routes by studying shipwrecks scattered across the
Mediterranean. Each wreck is like a time capsule, preserving not only cargo but
also construction techniques, tools, but also personal belongings of sailors. Maritime
archaeology is a developing discipline and one of the things that I find
fascinating about this world that I work in is how we are learning to
understand more from the remains that lie beneath the waves. Roman shipwrecks remain amongst the
most valuable sources of information for archaeologists. Because many sank
suddenly—due to storms, navigational errors, piracy or just old age—their
contents often remain intact and the finds from these help researchers trace
trade patterns and economic connections across the empire. For example, the
shape and markings of amphorae can indicate their origin, allowing
archaeologists to map commercial networks with surprising precision. This is
not all though, and maritime archaeology has transformed our understanding of
Roman engineering. Shipwrecks show that Roman vessels were built using a method
called mortise-and-tenon joinery, where wooden planks were tightly
fitted and pegged together before being reinforced with frames, creating strong,
durable hulls capable of long-distance voyages.
It would be wrong, however, to think that maritime
archaeology is all about shipwrecks as beyond these submerged port structures
provide insight into Roman infrastructure, showing us that harbours were not
just docking points—they were sophisticated engineering projects. Underwater
surveys of ancient ports reveal how Romans reshaped coastlines to support trade
and naval power. These structures also show how environmental changes—such as
silting, sea-level rise and even tectonic activity — eventually led to the
abandonment of some harbours.
As reflected in this new My Ancient World Learning course, maritime archaeology has transformed our understanding of the Roman Empire, shifting focus from land-based achievements to the vast and vital networks at sea. As technology continues to advance, the depths of the Mediterranean will undoubtedly yield even more discoveries, bringing us closer to the people, ships, and stories that once traversed Rome’s “endless highway”. That said, there is quite a story to be told already and this is reflected in the content of this new course that we will be launching in early summer and which we hope that our course participants will enjoy.
