"Moment of Zen"

What If Rome Had Industrialized? | Samo Burja

25 snips
May 31, 2025
Guest
Samo Burja
Samo Burja, a sociologist and political scientist, discusses the fascinating idea of industrial revolutions that never fully materialized, focusing on ancient Rome. He highlights Rome's innovative water-powered mills and the complexities of slave labor's impact on technology. The conversation delves into how societies like Rome and the Song Dynasty thrived with advanced commerce before facing decline. Burja challenges our understanding of historical narratives, urging a fresh look at the intersections of technology, society, and economy.
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INSIGHT

Non-Linear Economic History

  • Historical economic growth was not linear but fluctuated, with societies getting richer and poorer over time.
  • Ancient economies sometimes paid higher real wages for laborers than medieval or early modern societies, challenging assumptions about progress.
INSIGHT

Rome's Early Industrialization

  • The Roman Empire had an early form of industrialization using watermills for flour, ironworks, saws, and marble cutting.
  • This shows sophisticated mechanical knowledge and large-scale manufacturing already existed in ancient Rome.
ANECDOTE

Mass Production in Ancient Rome

  • Romans produced tens of millions of standardized amphorae as consumer goods, showing mass production.
  • They also made standardized statues with interchangeable parts, evidencing sophisticated industrial processes.
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