EAA2021: Abstract

The quarrying and mining district of the Eastern Eifel, situated nearby the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and characterised by mineral raw materials, very early became an economic player of supra-regional importance. From the Roman era, the products – primarily basalt lava mills, tuff stone building material, and pottery – were traded throughout much of Europe. Even today the raw materials are a significant economic factor.
The initial triggers in this development were two technology and knowledge transfers from the Mediterranean: the introduction of the rotary mill and the introduction of stone construction on the territory north of the Alps. As a result, the quarries and mines became part of the Roman expansion and urbanisation policy. But which were the additional key factors and how can an ancient industrial district be defined? The case study of the Eastern Eifel provides evidence about this. The contribution focuses on the formation, development and social impact of the district in Roman times.

Roman economy, mines and quarries, innovation, technology transfer, quantification, industrial district

 Abstract (PDF)

Angelika Hunold¹

Holger Schaaff²