From ancient times to the present day, wood has been used for water transportation. Photo credit Corel Photo Clipart CD.
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Like early Greece, Rome and parts of Italy were once covered with thick forests. As elsewhere, the Romans depleted the forests--particularly along the Tiber River--as Rome grew larger. More and more land was converted to intensive agriculture. As wood became scarce and more expensive, Rome also tried to increase its wood supply by conquest. Over time, Rome was forced to seek fuel and food supplies from as far away as North Africa, France, Spain, and England. |
| From Spain also came the silver that Rome use to finance its expansion. As the production of silver gradually used more and more of the Spanish forests for fuel, the Romans had to decrease the content of silver in their coins. Eventually the coins were considered almost worthless, and barter of goods became common. |
humans and forests: B.C. -- page 6 of 6
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[wood & forest products] [threats to forests]
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