Shops

The rise of the Roman Republic had a revolutionary impact on the nature of trade. The rapid acquisition of new territories ensured, for the first time, a reliable supply of goods from all over the known world. This allowed traders to move away from seasonal markets and into the world’s first permanent trading structures. Soon, forums were to be found in every settlement. Each one contained dozens of single-roomed shops known as tabernae, in addition to civic offices and temples. Due to the economic impact of the influx in trade, vendors were forced to display licences and conform to regulations. These were controlled by the aediles, minor officials whose role it was to manage all aspects of public spaces.