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Document Details :

Title: Partners in Business
Subtitle: Roman Merchants and the Potential Advantages of being a collegiatus
Author(s): BROEKAERT, Wim
Journal: Ancient Society
Volume: 41    Date: 2011   
Pages: 221-256
DOI: 10.2143/AS.41.0.2129571

Abstract :
This paper argues that Roman merchants and shippers often relied on the collegia to combat the shortcomings of a pre-industrial business world. The frequent gatherings presented entrepreneurs with the opportunity to exchange information on the reputation and financial means of potential business partners; to contract with reliable agents; and to seek for financial support. Commercial networks created by the collegiati hence offered protection against various risks and uncertainties in a volatile trading world.

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