How close was Rome to an Industrial Revolution? DOCUMENTARY

Was Rome close to an Industrial Revolution? Build up your own settlement in Bellwright today: In this historical discussion we examine how close Rome was to an Industrial Revolution. Its a deeply complex subjects which I’ve long considered. To answer the question, we are joined by Chris who is a historian with an expertise in Roman social and economic systems. Our talk begins by debunking the concepts of linear tech trees and neatly defined historical periods. In its place is a more chaotic model for understanding history which is more akin to evolutionary theory as it applies to the ways in which civilizations seek to adapt to their environments. With this new framework in mind we introduce the general hallmarks of the Industrial Revolution from our own timeline. In the following sections we then compare the conditions of Rome to those of Britain just prior to the Industrial Revolution. This involves several key factors: political stability, agricultural productivity, water, natural resources, and world view. Finally we conclude by assessing to what extent Rome was industrialized at the height of its power. This includes their sources of power, material sciences, and means and methods of production. Sources: “The Oxford Handbook of Engineering and Technology in the Classical World“ by John Peter Oleson “Technology In the Ancient World“ by Henry Hodges “Roman Metallurgy“ by Jonathan Edmondson “Industry and Empire: The Birth of the Industrial Revolution“ by Eric Hobsbawm “Before the Industrial Revolution: European Society and Economy, 1000-1700“ by Carlo M. Cipolla “The British Industrial Revolution in Global Perspective“ by Robert C. Allen “Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity“ by Daron Acemoglu Timestamps: 00:00:00 I. Intro 00:03:59 I.A) Fallacy of Tech Trees 00:08:27 I.B) Dynamic Model of History 00:16:06 1.C) The Industrial Revolution 00:20:20 II. Were the Conditions Right? 00:24:19 II.A) Poltical Stability 00:30:26 II.B) Agricultural Surplus 00:38:15 II.C) Water 00:43:05 II.D) Natural Resources 00:48:20 II.E) World Views 00:55:38 III. Roman Industrialization 00:56:23 III.A) Human/Animal Power 01:00:16 III.B) Solar Power 01:03:19 III.C) Geothermal Power 01:05:03 III.D) Hyrdo Power 01:08:57 III.E) Fire Power 01:12:03 III.F) Steam Power 01:20:19 III.G) Mettalurgy 01:24:50 III.H) Steel 01:30:28 III.I) Glass 01:34:50 III.J) Roman Concrete 01:39:03 III.K) Machinery 01:47:03 III.L) Mass Production #history #rome #documentary