Inland Waterways in the Roman Transport Network of the Gallic and German Provinces (c. 50 BC – c. AD 400) Ghent University
Scholars agree that transport by rivers and lakes greatly stimulated the development of trade in the Roman empire. Waterways, however, are as much man-made as roads are. They require investment, regulation and control. Without tow-paths, canals, locks, connecting roads, ports and warehouses rivers offer only a marginal contribution to trade. Yet, the contribution of rivers and lakes to Roman transport networks is usually treated in a matter ...