\paperw4095 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 \fs22 The development of commerce in the Roman world was due to the economic and political expansion of Rome, to its undispu
ted control of the seas, and to the construction of an excellent road system linked to the main sea and river routes. In the most ancient times trade was limited chiefly to the products of farming and stock raising, for which Rome was one of the most flo
urishing markets. With \b \cf4 \ATXht94 Carthage\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 defeated, Rome became the uncontested master of the Mediterranean. Trading along the sea and river routes grew more intense, while goods of all kinds flowed into Rome. Precious fabrics, su
ch as silk, came from China, spices and fragrances came from the East and Arabia, papyri and crystals came from Egypt, and emeralds from Scotland. The numerous wrecks of Roman cargo ships that have been found on the sea bottom in recent years provide con
vincing evidence of the intensity of trade and the variety of goods transported.\par
