Uncovering Ancient Roman Provincial Society Through the Activities of Merchants and Artisans

2026/10/31

As a faculty member in the Major in History, I am responsible for the history of various regions along the ancient Mediterranean coast. As a historian who deciphers and interprets written historical sources, I research the social history of the western Mediterranean region during the early Roman Empire. When you hear the term "Ancient Rome," you might feel a sense of romance. However, there are several major difficulties in actually researching Roman history. First, one must learn ancient languages such as Classical Greek and Latin. Furthermore, written historical sources themselves are by no means abundant. Therefore, even if you find a fascinating mystery, there are times when you cannot address it at all due to a lack of historical materials.

I, too, have suffered greatly from the scarcity of historical materials. For example, the common people of Rome, such as the merchants and artisans I have studied for many years, used papyrus and wooden tablets for contracts and records. However, with very few exceptions, these organic materials decay and do not survive as historical sources. Furthermore, it was rare for Roman writers like Tacitus to detail the daily lives of commoners in their works. So, how exactly do we listen to the "voices" of the common people? In my case, I focus on the professional associations formed by some merchants and artisans and decipher Latin stone inscriptions (epigraphs) related to those organizations. Through this, I clarify the nature of their human relationships and the social background that led to the formation of those connections.

In an age where fields directly linked to employment are highly valued in society, what is the significance of Japanese people researching the history of ancient Rome, which is so far removed from modern Japan? While Japan and Rome may seem unrelated at first glance, investigating the activities of the aforementioned professional associations reveals people who lived resiliently by building and utilizing diverse human networks, not just those based on local or blood ties. There is something there that resonates with modern Japanese people, who connect widely with others through various organizations and social media. Precisely because there is no direct connection, we can discover the essence of humanity that transcends time and region; I believe that is exactly where the significance and merit of studying ancient Roman history lie.