How did ancient Romans develop an economic system?

Answer 1

Agriculture and pastoralism were the earliest occupations. They remained important throughout. Trade was also important as Rome was by a Ford on the river Tiber, which made her an important communication hub. Trade was further facilitated by the construction of a bridge over the Tiber and a port on the river. Territorial expansion made trade volumes massive. Rome became the heart of trade in the Mediterranean and beyond. A port was built on the sea at Ostia. The salt works in this area were important as salt was highly valued in antiquity - it was a preservative. The via Salaria (salt road) crossed Italy and reached the east coast, where it could be shipped to the Balkans. Plunder in warfare was seizure of land in conquered territories also gave economic benefits.

In the earlier times debt-bondage was the main form of labour exploitation. Creditors gave loans against lack of security or at high interest rates. Defaulting debtors had to resort to work for the creditor and became bound to him. It was a form of servile labour. Slaves became the main source of labour as Rome expanded and enslaved significant numbers of the conquered peoples.

Corruption through extortions and bribery was lucrative.