We show that the creation of the first integrated multi-modal pan-European transport network during Roman times influences economic integration over two millennia. Drawing on spatially highly disaggregated data on excavated Roman ceramics, we document that contemporary interregional trade was influenced by connectivity within the network. Today, these connectivity differentials continue to influence integration as approximated by cross-regional firm investment behaviour. Continuity is partly explained by selective infrastructure routing and cultural integration due to bilateral convergence in preferences and values. We show that our results are Roman-connectivity specific and do not reflect pre-existing patterns of exchange using pre-Roman trade data.

中文翻译：

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罗马交通网络连通性和经济一体化

我们表明，在罗马时代建立的第一个综合多式联运泛欧交通网络影响了两千年的经济一体化。利用出土的罗马陶瓷的空间高度分解数据，我们记录了当代区域间贸易受到网络内连通性的影响。今天，这些连通性差异继续影响整合，正如跨区域公司投资行为所近似。由于偏好和价值观的双边趋同，选择性基础设施路由和文化融合部分解释了连续性。我们表明，我们的结果是特定于罗马连通性的，并没有反映使用前罗马贸易数据的预先存在的交换模式。