The use of formal modelling and computational simulation in studies of
the Roman economy has become more common over the last decade. But
detailed critical evaluations of this innovative approach are still
missing and much needed. What kinds of insights about the Roman
economy can it lead to that could not have been obtained through more
established approaches, and how do simulation methods constructively
enhance research processes in Roman Studies? This edited volume
addresses this need through critical discussion and convincing
examples. It presents the Roman economy as a highly complex system,
traditionally studied through critical examinations of material and
textual sources, and understood through a wealth of diverging
theories. A key contribution of simulation lies in its ability to
formally represent diverse theories of Roman economic phenomena, and
test them against empirical evidence. Critical simulation studies rely
on collaboration across Roman data, theory, and method specialisms,
and can constructively enhance multivocality of theoretical debates of
the Roman economy. This potential is illustrated, avoiding
computational and mathematical language, through simulation studies of
a wealth of Roman economic phenomena: from maritime trade and
terrestrial transport infrastructures, through the economic impacts of
the Antonine Plague and demography, to local cult economies and grain
trade. Through these examples and discussions, this volume aims to
provide the common ground, guidance, and inspiration needed to make
simulation methods part of the tools of the trade in Roman Studies,
and to allow them to make constructive contributions to our
understanding of the Roman economy.
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Theories, Methods, and Computational Models
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9780192672438
Publisert
2022
Utgiver
Vendor
OUP Oxford
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter