Networks as Proxies: a relational approach towards economic complexity in the Roman period

Abstract: Based on the assumption that economic complexity is characterised by the interactions of economic agents (who) constantly change their actions and strategies in response to the outcome they mutually create, this paper presents how network models can be used a proxies for the mapping, quantification and analysis of Roman economic complexity. Network analysis provides tools to visualise and analyse the inherent complexity of various types of data and their combination (archaeological, geographical, textual) or even of a single piece of evidence. Equally, the relational approach invites to a structural and quantitative comparison between periods, regions and the economic systems of polities and empires. An increasing number of proxies of this kind may allow us to capture the trajectories of economic complexity beyond metaphors.