Abstract:
The establishment of currency and financial systems is one of the most important developments
for a civilization. Arguably the most impactful civilization, Rome, is no exception to rapid
strides made in financial intermediation and the economy in general. The Roman banking system
is a defining example of development and it happened with little to no government oversight.
Instead, the banking system of ancient Rome developed to be an impactful force solely through
the private market. The effect of the Roman civilization’s banking system can be seen in primary
sources from the era’s writers, archaeological evidence, and via analysis of trends seen in the
modern financial landscape. Analyzing the primary and secondary sources of the ancient Roman
banking system establishes the image of a financial intermediary which developed privately and
made a lasting impact on the Roman empire and world.
