Why Was Egypt Crucial for the Roman Empire?

This video was sponsored by Imperator: Rome. You can support our channel by buying this game via this link: store.steampowered.com/app/859580/Imperator_Rome/
In our new animated historical documentary video we will talk about the importance of Egypt for the Roman Empire and how Egypt was not only the breadbasket of Rome, but also financed its military conquests and the legions. What made Egypt so special and how was it administered first by Augustus and the other Roman emperors?
You can listen to our new podcast here: kingsandgenerals.libsyn.com/4-why-did-the-diadochoi-of-alexander-fight-each-other
Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/KingsandGenerals or Paypal: paypal.me/kingsandgenerals
We are grateful to our patrons and sponsors, who made this video possible: drive.google.com/open?id=1JlqSD0nyP64psCnaLrwFT3zVTZiordU1jnwXeZOu1to
The video was made by our friend Cogito bit.ly/2CFCouA while the script was researched and written by Matt Hollis
This video was narrated by Officially Devin (kzbin.info/door/U0-VII-V376zFxiRGMeZGg & kzbin.info/door/79s7EdN9uXX77-Ly2HmEjQ)
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Sources:
Adrian Goldsworthy - Augustus: From Revolutionary to Emperor
Raoul McLaughlin - The Roman Empire and the Indian Ocean: The Ancient World Economy and the Kingdoms of Africa, Arabia and India
Raoul McLaughlin - Rome and the Distant East: Trade Routes to the Ancient Lands of Arabia, India and China
Alan K. Bowman and Dominic Rathbone - Cities and Administration in Roman Egypt
Adrian Goldsworthy - Pax Romana: War, Peace and Conquest in the Roman World
Production Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com
#Documentary #Rome #RomanEmpire

[@KingsandGenerals]

20 hours in, I think I can recommend Imperator: Rome. In many regards, it is the deepest grand strategy by Paradox. Consider buying it by using this link: store.steampowered.com/app/859580/Imperator_Rome/ We also released a new episode of our podcast and this one talks about the reasons the Successors of Alexander were almost always at war with each other: kingsandgenerals.libsyn.com/4-why-did-the-diadochoi-of-alexander-fight-each-other Our merch store always has new and exciting designs. Check them out: bit.ly/2GFCuFE

[@Dave_Sisson]

Aptly released on 25 April which is Liberation Day in South Georgia and Anzac Day in Australia and N.Z.

[@morecoffee998]

would consider getting it if there was a K&G discount, but at full price; Never never never never ever pre-order a game :)

[@naelaoun3311]

The Romans did invade Yemen. They besieged Marib but failed. intlhistory.blogspot.com/2013/07/romes-forgotten-expedition-arabia-felix.html

[@mr.ironknight2289]

Kings and Generals One major Correction. It shows Nubia (Kush at the Time) being under Roman Control even though during Augustus’ reign he fought their Queen and was Driven out of Kush with the Nubians gaining a favorable treaty. It is *”Assumed”* not confirmed that they *“may”* have been been labeled as client state. Though the War was essentially to make Nubia a Client state it failed and they just ended being trade partners with Rome on good terms. Though I really liked the video. Great Job!

[@tommy-er6hh]

Nael AOUN: Of course K&G forgot the Yemen campaign - that was the forgotten campaign, what else could they do? :)

[@aslandus]

Augustus: "No more conquest, it's going to drain our finances for no real gain." *dies* Everyone else: "Dad's gone, time to conquer the rest of the world!"

[@juanma9511]

Classic disipation of inherited wealth. Some guy in mu town lost a shit tone of acres by spending to much in some casino

[@dohnjoe4100]

That logic doesn't hold up, either. Client states, roman tributaries, can eventually grow to become their own nuisances on rome. There's a nice video that gives an educated guess on what Rome's defensive stratagy was and how it evolved. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r56wg5KKf9lnndE

[@crazymonkey19071907]

Think about human psychology though. Think about the emperors. Which one of them wouldn't want the amazing glories and adventures that come with campaigning and with war. I mean, it must have been so tempting to conquer territory for Roman Emperors...

[@RexGalilae]

It was necessary. When there's prosperity without war, a nation and it's military grows complacent and starts losing control over it's territories. Imagine how they could've managed to survive during the Dacian, Parthian and Marcomannic invasions without Trajan and the rest not taking military measures. Case in point, the Abbasid Caliphate. Prosperity without growth became stagnation

[@Intranetusa]

@@RexGalilae Hadrian had to give up much of Trajan's conquests because they were completely indefensible and strategically terrible in the long run.

[@SeleucusNicator]

This has become one of my favorite videos on the channel. Campaigns and battles win empires, but economics and sound administration maintain them. I would love to see more videos like this one: highlighting and explaining aspects of kingdoms and empires that are often overshadowed by their wars and battles.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Good summary! Same here, love these type of videos

[@ThisisBarris]

I absolutely agree! I feel that there is too much focus on battles and people, and I understand why since it's much more "sexy", but in the grand scheme of things, and I might be biased by my economics background, I feel like more macro factors have a much greater effect such as demographics, economy, food, institutions etc. Happy to see other people appreciate that, too.

[@vascof.goncalves5985]

Nothing beats "good Roman administration" 😋 I wholeheartedly agree with you.

[@Catholic-Redpilled-Spaniard]

Depends on the empire.

[@Crytica.]

100% agree! I always loved the old Iranian and Roman economical and administrative ways. Especially because we still use a lot from then to this date. I would love if they make more of these kinds of videos!

[@Mattyhollis]

I hope you guys enjoy this different topic. Battles and campaigns are some of the most enjoyable things, but I've found myself really getting into the economics and trade aspects of Empire. Give the video a like if you want to see more of this type of content. As well as Rome, I am sure we can delve into other empires and periods as well.

[@xenotypos]

Since you are making videos about the economy of the Roman empire, could you make a detailed comparison between the revenue of the Roman provinces during the late empire? For example, I'm curious if the revenue of Gaul increased over time as Rome developed the area.

[@timg4444]

I’ve always understood the importance of Egypt to the Roman economy. But it’s awesome and mind blowing to see the actual fiscal numbers that Egypt produced and put it into perspective with the rest of the empire

[@Threswyll]

I think it's great and quite enjoyable. If you wish to go further than economics and trade, I'd support that too.

[@TheRealBruceLouis]

more of this content for all other empires too, not just roman. severely untapped by almost every documentary series in history

[@tg1982]

Thanks for your work, it is really a different branch of documentaries that is needed to be shown more.

[@TerryFoxTheMan]

Was expecting the generic "bread basket" stuff but instead got a relatively in-depth explanation of Roman finances and trade! Awesome!

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thanks for watching!

[@luciano9755]

What is the meme behind that profile pic? I see it everywhere.

[@rr.2194]

Agreed

[@TheGreatOne93]

@@luciano9755 Some Deus Ex guy

[@JustinJurazick]

@@TheGreatOne93 smh its JC Denton

[@victorvuong2438]

Economy and History Someone tell me that this ain’t no dream

[@Xerxezkov]

I have a dream.

[@IWLDELJ]

I wouldn't buy their assertions as gospel. It's easy to allow incorrect information to slip by if you're not vigilant. Pasted in from above: "I don't think I buy the assertion that giving food to the impoverished resulted in more market commerce. You'd have to prove a relationship between the two, not just assert it. In more modern times, with more easily verifiable records, the evidence is overwhelming that shoveling wealth at poorer people just results in them having more children, who generally grow up to be poor as well, but since we live in a time of such overwhelming abundance, poor people can afford luxury goods despite being poor, and despite having children they shouldn't be able to afford given their lifestyles. I don't see why that would be different during that time period either. Poor people are guaranteed basic necessities. There was an immense amount of wealth within the empire at this time and even poor people could afford luxuries. Two facts, but not proven as related."

[@atic7910]

It ain't

[@IWLDELJ]

​@Pablo Yong I hope you’re smart enough to realize that an economics conversation is too complex for a single shallow and ignorant comment to make any worthwhile points. I say your comment was shallow because you’re either disregarding or assuming that I’ve disregarded the fact that culture, intelligence, and time play a part. Economics isn’t conducted in a lab, so we have to isolate variables where we can. Nordic countries are high functioning, high IQ societies, so dysgenic likely effects take longer to become apparent than in lower functioning (dumber) societies. Nordic countries are also less hostile to businesses and success than progressives in the US. From a compliance standpoint, it’s much easier to start and run a business in Nordic countries than in most of the coastal US. This plays a part, as people aren’t actively discouraged from seeking success. In a high functioning society, where people are busy and productive, time can be a scarce resource. They don’t want children because they are smart and have other priorities. I say your comment was ignorant because even with all of the above being said, we literally already see their society declining. In Sweden, low IQ immigrants on benefits are outbreeding Swedes by a significant margin and crime rates are rising. Furthermore, if we did have better access to their demographics data, I’d be willing to literally bet money that the poorest (statistically least intelligent) Swedes, regardless of culture, ethnicity, or country of origin are outbreeding higher earning Swedes, regardless of culture, ethnicity, or country of origin. I’d legitimately bet money on it since it’s the same exact pattern we see in almost every country for which I’ve been able to get the statistics. Denmark is a possible exception because of their “Do it for Denmark,” sex campaign, which lead to a baby boom, but in which demographics is hard to say.

[@marjusguza827]

Do you know any other channels with economic and history topics combined?

[@gorgon6680]

Last time I was this early Egypt was still divided into Upper and Lower Egypt.

[@Crytica.]

Damn dude you are early af then.

[@Crytica.]

Remember when that random dude named Narmer(Menes) came along and ruined everything? Who he think he was... jeez.

[@dontsearchdocumentingreali9621]

Narmer wants to know your location.

[@minatodroger7890]

Damn u early early

[@amrmagdy2888]

@earaza last time i was this early Egypt was under Islamic rule , oh wait it still is

[@mustafaelnady5161]

Perhaps, there is no greater irony than knowing that Egypt now is the largest importer of grain in the world!!

Don't they grow economically more valuable vegetables instead?

[@msha6637]

@ thats what i am trying to explain to every clown saying that same thing

[@msha6637]

Thats what happens when your population is 100 mil and farmable land is 8% of the total land

@@msha6637 I don't know the situation in Egypt. I know it in Turkey, and it is similar, like 40 years ago some produce was not imported, but now it is. It is especially important to be data-driven if you are in the opposition to the current ruling elite. Otherwise people are only doing an intellectual masturbation.

[@mustafaelnady5161]

Sume Rossini the Aswan dam is actually good for Egypt in general. The grain shortage is mainly because of population growth and bad agriculture planning. We are now a 100 million people living in a country without a large arable land. As the population was growing, people built houses close to water supplies. Resulting of more arable land shrinking. With less land and 4x the population, farming became less and less effective. Not to mention bread and grains in general are the main course in Egypt.

[@lobomonos5009]

This channel is amazing. Just stumbled upon your Aztec work! Thanks for all the hard work and research you do

[@prashantvicky]

Yes,it is. Sometimes,I feel guilty that people make videos with hours of dedication and research,and I watch it free, without paying a penny. Sometimes,it really makes me sad,so I never skip any ad which is less than 3 mins of duration,click on ads deliberately when I don't even need the products,install the apps. I know it doesn't help much,but that is only what I can do. I don't earn much,but I love learning.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thanks for watching, guys. Every bit helps :-)

[@magww1]

Rome is more addictive than crack.

[@mikhailzavarov4958]

Theyll both leave you a nose bleed if you're not to careful

[@hashimbokhamseen7877]

tell me about it

[@CoranceLChandler]

@Citizen did I just hear an echo?

[@superyoism]

Rome was like not even quite white lmao and there was a lot of degenerates and weaklings lol

[@magww1]

@@superyoism ya I didn't even touch that comment cause there's no arguing with those kinds of people.

[@svarthofde2492]

One of the most fascinating things I read regarding agriculture in Egypt during Roman dominion is that Egypt's yield was above 10 grains of wheat for each planted while other Mediterranean countries presumably average around 6fold yield or less. This made Egypt immensely valuable

[@applesaucedog2642]

Svarthofde literally obtaining that grain.

[@hyperion3145]

Anon Ymous Consume the wheat

[@mazenadel7905]

As an Egyptian i have to say that this video is very well researched and very accurate , most of the facts stated here we learned in our Egyptian history books.

[@supernova5293]

.

[@mazenadel7905]

@@khaccanhle1930 I agree with you but sadly our current government heavily damged our econemy that it's gonna take a while to fix.

[@niangsor8942]

@@khaccanhle1930 if the US stopped proping up dictators maybe it'd happen.

[@nantzstein3311]

Glad to hear that; but you guys showed small to non resistance against Rome and Greeks.

[@lewistaylor2858]

@@mazenadel7905 drop Islam and have a renaissance to bring Egypt back to its former glories, Greece should do the same with Christianity

[@ThisisBarris]

EGYPT IS THE GRANARY OF ROME!

[@allium2718]

MITOCHONDRIA IS THE POWERHOUSE OF THE CELL!

[@byzantios2533]

Wasn't North Africa the granary of Rome?? i seem to recall it was, maybe they were almost equal important in that regard, except Egypt was more important as trading center, because of it's lucrative trade in the red sea/indian ocean with india etc.

[@epicgamer-hf4jb]

Byzantios Egypt is a part of North Africa

[@kweassa6204]

@@byzantios2533 Mostly two major "bread baskets" for the Roman world -- Sicily and Egypt. Any one of those two become unstable, and usually the food prices would rocket in Rome, often becoming the cause of civil unrest.

[@byzantios2533]

@@epicgamer-hf4jb i know that, i meant the "barbary states/coast" of north africa, aka: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. Specificly Tunisia and Libya

[@RazorEdge2006]

Every empire has its "jewel in the crown"... Persian Empire - Mesopotamia Roman Empire - Egypt Arab Empire - Iraq Mongol Empire - China British Empire - India

[@Bemen50]

👍👍👍

[@shrektheeverchosen6457]

Please excuse my ignorance but why was iraq a jewel?

[@alakaszinsan6399]

​@@shrektheeverchosen6457mesopotamia and baghdad

[@kakyoin9688]

@@shrektheeverchosen6457for most of history Mesopotamia has had incredibly rich land for farming with the rivers that creates the Fertile Crescent. Also it’s incredibly well developed being so old and runs through incredibly important trade routes to Asia

[@GalaxyInvasion]

Mongo - Europe

[@SandRhomanHistory]

This is truly great content. Egypt after the battle of Actium is one of my pet subjects. As you pointed out the redistribution of wealth was economically very important, but Egypt had also another social / political role which was decisive for the success of Augusts. Imo Antony tried to make himself look like a hellenistic King while Augustus was wise enough not to do that. He had learned from Ceasar, since the Romans already disliked Cleopatra and the king-like rule she represented during his time. Rome still was very wary of a "dominatio", a despotic, tyrannical system of rule. Augustus was aware of it compared to Antony. So Egypt played an important role, not only economically, but also politically / socially. I guess I need to stop my research of Egypt in the Augustean system of rule since this video will out rank any other video on the subject :P

[@kaloyankatzarov9284]

I always must give credit to Augustus on his god tier administrative skills.

[@lawrenceprice3090]

We often focus so much on the battles and wars of great empires that we forget the economics and administrative genius that makes those empires great in the first place. It is a really under appreciated part of history. Great that there are going to be more videos on this.

[@kimeonyoung914]

I love all this late Republic economic stuff; however, I hope you use this information as groundwork for doing a later series on the late Roman Empire. You guys do a great job of chopping up these complex topics into bite-sized pieces, and, with the late empire being so very complex, I think you would do it justice. Having a solid understanding of the late Roman Empire, its religion, and the cultures surrounding it also gives great insight into the cultural development of Europe and the Middle East.

[@morpheus24]

Any sourced commentary that can question the 'Roman plunder economy' hypothesis is very much appreciated. It seems administrative structure and economic incentives are essential for maintaining large, diverse societies.

[@Reynolds323]

As a history buff I am so happy that someone finally made a video delving into the most important part behind all the wars and battles, economy and infrastructure. Its even better that KaG made the video as the quality is, as always, stellar.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thanks! :-)

[@StewysGameplay]

This is honestly the best channel on KZbin, the graphics were phenomenal all round. Even History can't compete with this.

[@ericconnor8251]

A perfect, flawless summary of the importance of Roman Egypt, and you even compared it to previous Ptolemaic Egypt! Bravo. I am very impressed.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thank you!

[@zhshsG7]

An awesome documentary, once again! I love that you approach history on so many different levels, such as the ancient economy, the strange importance of certain commodities abundant today such as bread, interesting little stories such as the one with the merchants who greeted the emperor, etc. I am an avid lover of battle tactics myself (which is how I got to your channel anyway), but that is only a small percentage of why and how states prosper or crumble, yet most historians focus entirely on a few days of events instead of the bigger picture. Truly love your content, hope you keep it up!

[@Matheus_Oliveira25]

I have never seen a video of such quality. Thanks K&G

[@DewmOnline]

Just a completely fantastic video. The researched quotes from different historical scripts, the animation and the narration, all spot on.

[@heavenwatcher100]

I thought Egypt was the major breadbasket of the Roman Empire. But I underestimated its trade potential.

[@Crytica.]

Why was Egypt crucial for the Roman Empire? well let me grab my scroll of one million reasons.

[@DarinSane]

@@dontsearchdocumentingreali9621 "Africans" is a very broad term. Putting all Africans in the same category is like putting Germanians and Romans in the same category.

[@supernova5293]

@@dontsearchdocumentingreali9621 If you mean north Africans like the Egyptians and Carthaginians then yes, but sub-saharan Africans were probably seen as western Europeans.

[@TEverettReynolds]

@@dontsearchdocumentingreali9621 You may be right, Egypt was a very old Bronze Age civilization long before the Romans came to town...

[@wargriffin5]

Is grain and commerce at the top of that list?

[@themac9677]

@@supernova5293 Actually many Greek scholars likened the egyprians to the Nubians. Which genetically makes sense becsuse they are very closely related

[@brokenbridge6316]

I'm very impressed with how critical Egypt was to Rome but also with how informative it was to listen too. My compliments to those who made this video a reality. It was a great one.

[@adhamismail3744]

the Arabian leader amr bin aas said that the governor of Egypt has strength equal to all the caliphate ...... Egypt is crucial to any empire ,,, persians ...romans...Arabs....Ottomans ...saladin used Egypt to defeat the crusaders ....and the mamluks used Egypt to defeat the mongols

[@crazymonkey19071907]

@lvan Big Nob Your so called "Arabs" lived in Egypt for centuries tho don't forget that.

[@adhamismail3744]

@@savioblanc the king of france was leading the crusade him self and was taken in captivity after Egypt had oblitrated all of his army

[@adhamismail3744]

@alvi syahri yes they werent originally Egyptian .... but they was rulling the arab world from egypt ...

[@adhamismail3744]

@@rolex1231 my comment is to show that every empire considered Egypt a vital element of its strength ,, persia is not an exception otherwise it wouldnt have tried to keep it ..the fact that persia couldnt control Egypt is irrelevant to its strategic importance to the empire

[@mistein837]

Egypt was always rich and it was one of the richest provinces in the British empire and it even gave Britain a 2 billion dollars loan during WW2 , but it wasn't the arabs who destroyed it, the reason of its destruction was the 1952 military coup , since then the county became so corrupt and lost all its resources .

[@lukezuzga6460]

This was a very informative video. Im educated in History but love when you fellas teach me new stuff. I even enjoy a good review! Good work guys!

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thanks :-)

[@TheDecibe]

Awesome facts, brilliant video, one of the best channels on KZbin!!!

[@Kubotahonda5]

This channel is millions of times better than any historian teachers in my entire schools and college life ! Thank you 🙏💂🏻‍♂️🏹

[@dnltbrca]

K&G, how large is your staff? It's a lot of work to research and animate all these videos yet you upload a lot of content

[@Brahmdagh]

They've been expanding and expanding by the looks of it. Checkout their second "cold war" channel. It's like Indy Nidel but post WW2

[@heathenfire]

@@Brahmdagh I know that cogito works for them too. K&G is an awesome team. Great quality content and they release their videos quite frequently. One of the best channels on KZbin for history lovers

[@Mattyhollis]

If you look at the end of each video, you can see who has worked on a particular video in the credits. This particular one was researched and written by me. The team overall is just a small bunch of history lovers who have gotten together to make good content. : )

[@Sam-xd9xt]

@@Mattyhollis Interesting! :)

[@v44n7]

@@Mattyhollisthanks you so much for your work!

[@lachlanneal9375]

Great video, really enjoy your content and appreciate the time you put in them. You guys should get a tv show on the history channel (and wouldn’t look out of place great editing and animation) if they still did historical documentaries instead of reality shows.

[@automaticmattywhack1470]

Great job! Rome was a military nation so obviously the battles are interesting to learn about, but learning how the giant Roman government and economy works is just as interesting and important. Glad to know you are working on more videos on the economy of ancient Rome. I'll be waiting expectantly for them.

[@C0wb0yBebop]

Been a fan since Actium ⚔️ Thanks for all your work K & G!! Please keep up the superior quality work and remember that we like admin videos but Love battles !

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thanks for being with for so long!

[@OneOnOne1162]

I love these videos. I love channels that go into the nitty gritty of how ancient states work.

[@VxV631]

Ancient economics. This was amazing and I loved it :D MOAR CONSEQUENCE FOCUSED VIDEOS PLEASED :D

[@danworden5854]

I love the economic history of ancient societies! Please do more of these, you've definitely helped this economic student out!

[@storehansen9]

This was really a well put and very informative video. Thank you Kings and Generals! Love your channel!

[@masismasis359]

This is amazing, first time I see a historical doc. from an almost entirely economical pov, HQ elaborate work, so captivating, thank you Sir

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thank you! There will be more!

[@jengoh3826]

Another great video!!!! I love that your contents are branching out from military and battles and into statecraft/economy/empire management! Please keep up the good work! The video says that 2.7 billions were in the Roman treasury by the time Augustus died. If possible, can you also do a quick video on exactly how much money it takes to wage a typical Roman war? Also, how much does the administration of each province cost? If this information is available, can you please share? I have a feeling that your content is going to be standard classroom curriculum in the future.

[@abdo5615]

If only we could get that correct administration now😔 Great video as always 👍🏼

[@TheTariqibnziyad]

you really dont want to be an Edgyptian peasant in the time, the loosing part of the prosperity

[@rvrv7021]

Today even the romans admnistrate the Italy whell. Whe sould be admnistratede like the scandinavian countries

[@EngineerEg]

Rest assured you're not alone 👍🏼

[@doggo2481]

My week is not complete without Kings and Generals. Thank you again for this wonderful documentary and I do hope that this channel last forever!

[@teddyganea9990]

Wow! I never knew Egypt was THAT important. I love this type of video and want more!! Great job with the research and graphics. PS. Could you do a video on the importance/effects of Dacia on the Roman economy? Or maybe Syria or Anatolia/Asia?

[@concept5631]

Dacia would be an interesting video.

[@ignacejespers8201]

With the focus on the eastern trade you got me REALLY interested in the Sabaean kingdoms, Axum and these outlying places of wealth

[@iSchneeball]

You cover more in 15 minutes than a 'professional', regulary documentary and you're way more entertaining. Good work!!

[@mejlaification]

I love all your videos but I have to say this one was a true gem!

[@jaigray5422]

Stunning video with a very interesting and in depth look into Rome and it's economics. Subbed to the channel hope the rest of your videos are as good as this one.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Welcome aboard!

[@aGr3atD4y]

Wow, this channel never ceases to amaze me with how detailed and amazing the content is!

[@evoncampbell5598]

I was absolutely stoked when I read the title to this video. I cannot express enough gratitude for the K&G commitment to covering all aspects of history as oppose to only historical conflicts. Think not what K&G would do, think what they could do!

[@shouryaghosh4151]

This channel's video never disappoints !! Please do continue this series , and the Sumerian series.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thank you and we will!

[@michaelthomas8293]

I knew Egypt was important to the empire but this really showed how vital it was. I read somewhere that if a senator entered Egypt without the emperors consent that it carried a sentence of death, is that true? Another great video, thanks kings and Gens. Your videos of the ancient world are by far my favorite and of the best quality that I have seen. Maybe sometime you could do a video on Incitatus? lol Caligula's horse lol. I mean if it was worthy of becoming consul it must of be quite the special animal :)

[@alwayslearn8835]

I would love to see such video more often as it's highlight an very important factor (empire finance ) . One of my favourite channel. 👍👍👍👍

[@kevinelruler]

Loving these! I look forward to more vids, almost as much as I'm looking forward to a new Paradox game.

[@KingsandGenerals]

More on the way!

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

Thoroughly researched and expertly presented. Very well done indeed!

[@LensToHorizon]

Don’t usually comment but 2 minutes in, I felt the need to subscribe , great stuff keep it up!

[@KingsandGenerals]

New ones are better, check them out!

[@andrehenrique2093]

This is one of the best videos ever made in this Channel. Good work.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thank you very much!

[@Nor1998_]

Egypt was a vital part of many empires throughout history.

[@xavierrealmadrid7420]

yes, you are right,, but carthage was so important also

[@sairadha674]

Egypt was Augustus personal property. No senator was allowed to enter Egypt.

[@svasilop]

It’s great to see a video about the economic history of the Roman Empire. I had known that Egypt was the granary. It seems it was also the door to the spice route for Rome. Please also do a video on the economic history of the later eastern Roman Empire and how it was affected by the Muslim and Seljuk conquests that lead to the final loss of New Rome/Constantinople in 1453.

[@populistrevolution5197]

I've learnt so much from this channel i feel like my life has improved as a result thank you so much for your hard work

[@dingus8531]

Another great video! Always impressive!

[@RENATVS_IV]

This video is pure Egyptian gold. Really educational. I think I learnt a lot of things here.

[@omkarunde2040]

Yeah.Egypt was a source of bread for Rome in those days.You are really increasing our knowledge of history.Nice and keep it up👍🏻👍🏻

[@ahmadosama1463]

As an Egyptian it is nice to the history of Egypt under the romans being discussed😁😁😁🇪🇬🇪🇬🇪🇬 This video shows the potential Egypt has if adminstered correctly. Supporting most of the roman empire is a massive feat. Hope that Egypt reaches its full potential in the near future.

[@timokimo61]

i am Egyptian as well ..you are right

[@supernova5293]

@TheExplorer Is this supposed to be a joke?

[@ahmadosama1463]

TheExplorer i dont know why you would be so hateful but we could always send Ibrahim Pasha with the Egyptian armies to Istanbul while you ask the French and the Brits for help

[@ahmadosama1463]

TheExplorer well i just cant help but laugh at your trolling😂😂😂

[@supernova5293]

@TheExplorer That's the dumbest thing I've read all day, but what else did I expect from an ignorant Turkish troll with little to no knowledge about history.

[@vinodvarghese78]

Egypt was the lifeline of the Roman Empire. Good video 👍🏼

[@victor-mihailpopescu1027]

Great video! Really enjoyed it. I may suggest a video about the economic situation in the Roman Impire and the geostrategic and socio-economic impact of the Dacian wars 101-102, 105-106

[@JohnDoe-fo3fn]

Also Iberia. Silver mining was such a large industry for the Romans back then that evidence of the pollution is still visible in arctic ice cores taken today.

[@kaku2189]

What where the contaminants found in the cores? Do you have any references or any rational leads that I can inquire on my own time, to personally substantiate this? I ask because I take great interest in following the money & economics. Thanks.

[@JohnDoe-fo3fn]

@@kaku2189 Here's one arstechnica.com/science/2018/05/greenland-ice-cores-track-roman-lead-pollution-in-year-by-year-detail/

[@JohnDoe-fo3fn]

@@kaku2189 Here's another: www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/05/scientists-reclaim-the-long-lost-economic-history-of-rome/560339/ Googling "rome silver pollution ice cores" can get you a lot of results.

[@pergys6991]

John Doe fuckin hell, that’s mad

[@adrian.farcas]

This is the best, the most illuminating video you made.

[@BrandonPilcher]

If I may provide some constructive criticism, I think the Roman-controlled area on your maps extends too far south. I believe the southernmost limit would have been near Aswan, whereas your map shows it extending well into northern Sudan. Otherwise very nice video.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Yep, I think Aksum was a client at times, but not at that point.

[@Potatoman1578]

@@KingsandGenerals also Armenia and Azerbayjan were not Part of Roman Empire. Romans didnt have access to Caspian sea

[@concept5631]

@@Potatoman1578 _I want to believe._

[@pablolobo6560]

Love your videos, but this one was one of the most enjoyable, integrating deeper economics, trade and administrative aspects of late Roman Republic and early Empire.

[@willdoherty2849]

you guys should do this video as a lead up to how the empire economically collapsed. great vid, learned some new cool stuff

[@KingsandGenerals]

Yeah, there will be more videos like that!

[@robertkopp873]

Excellent production. Longing for more. Thank you.

[@KingsandGenerals]

More on the way!

[@UpcycleElectronics]

I imagine the "special" nature of the Egyptian province had negative implications for the rights and treatment of the native population.

[@gladehartdreamer5620]

in many ways yes, but only if they decided they wanted some form of self governance or where unhappy with the taxation, otherwise they where probably treated fairly, after all the romans objective was to keep the province as stable as possible, and inflicting unnecessary burdens and problems upon the population greatly raises the chances that they would try to rebel, a single rebelion in a strategic area could cause major backlash in the rest of the empire even if it was supressed quickly, as the population is required to plant grain, and a sudden loss of population would decreasse the amount of food produced.

[@محمودعلى-ض6غ6ج]

That is 100% true

[@محمودعلى-ض6غ6ج]

@@gladehartdreamer5620 We were treated badly and we revolted countless times

[@nETbKaH]

@@محمودعلى-ض6غ6ج no, you didn't, you have less to do with those egyptians than turks with byzantines. And if you revolted countless times, Egypt wouldn't be so prosperous or acquire so much money. There were overreaches, and were uprisings, obviously, but the thurth of the matter is, most of the population is always content, and revolutions are a work of the few.

[@jonransdell]

Ancient imperialism mostly cannot be equated with the more recent western European colonization of the whole world.

[@chrismodlin6262]

I really appreciate how specific this video is. Great details.

[@paullin7412]

French Empire has West Indies sugar, British Empire has India for manpower and opium and mine resources, Russia has Siberia. For Roman, it is Egypt that secures the Empire financially.

[@keithbrown7685]

British Empire had China, too.

[@drpepper3838]

Dutch empire had monopoly on the spice trade and Baltic sea trade

[@ConcreteCrescent]

@@keithbrown7685 Slightly different, as Britain didn't rule China (except for Hong Kong). They did force China to open up a number of treaty ports for the benefit of British trade in the region, though.

[@pancakes3250]

I just want to respect you guys, and other channels like yourselves, for providing high quality information, with a limited and insecure budget.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thanks!

[@pancakes3250]

@@KingsandGenerals You welcome!

[@hashimbokhamseen7877]

this video is very important for understanding logistics of war and such edit : my mind has been blowed

[@anthonymanderson7671]

Thanks for making this video. I really love this channel!!

[@Kyros9119]

13:28 excuse me, do you have a moment to talk about silk?

[@istvansipos9940]

:- ) about silk? about silk, yes.

[@sickre]

Excellent video. Really interesting to go into the trade and functionality of these societies, not just battles.

[@Kapuist1]

Great work as always. Can you provide some more sources for the grain dole? Need to do a report on it, am hungry for books, articles, etc., on it.

[@tellder1]

To this day my favorite K&G video!

[@felixborges7440]

What an interesting video! This was awesome. Like was said in the introduction rome and in fact most empires did not solely prosper from continuous conquests but through finance and economics. I wish more war games would would focus on the economic underpinnings of wars than simply the battlefield mechanics

[@robertorojnic4370]

Absolutely loved this video, and this channel. Keep making videos on this particular topic. Thank you so much for what you do. Kudos!

[@товарищ-щ6х]

Africa and particularly Egypt was rome’s food supply, it was a fertile land, with cheap slave workers. once egypt was considered the emperors personal territory. History is amazing and your presentation and professionalism makes it even more interesting. Thank you 👍

[@themac9677]

You sure they weren't getting a majority of their slave labor from. Northern Europe?

[@товарищ-щ6х]

Elijah Marshall the romans we’re enslaving people from everywhere to be honest.

[@wisedragon173]

@@themac9677 The vast majority of the Roman slaves were in general European people, many Germanic and Celtic tribes but also tribes, people from Southern Europe. Romans had for example also Greek slaves that worked as teachers, etc. They had also a large number of Germanic or celtic mercenaries in their armies, etc. Slavery in ancient Rome wasn't based on skin color but mostly war captives/prisoners ended as slaves. Here and there Romans had Nubian slaves the got from Egypt but they were very small in numbers since Romans didn't invade, conquered Nubia or South Egypt.

[@themac9677]

@@wisedragon173 Most non-biased and accurate response I've seen on here. I always thought it was interesting how the Romans used propaganda techniques to dehumanize northern Europeans in the eyes of the public making enslaving them justifiable. I'm glad the Germanic tribes ended up destroying the Romans in the end for what they did too

[@SteveSmith-ty8ko]

The Mac I mean on the Roman’s part it wasn’t entirely personal, they viewed all uncivilized folk as barbarians and lesser people. It is interesting how they willingly let in the goths/visigoths and then proceeded to abuse them whenever they liked ultimately leading to them sacking Rome.

[@edmund0014]

Excellent, I learned new things today and this is always a delight!

[@KHK001]

Great video!

[@AlphaSections]

Really great video! Much of this is new to me. thanks as always K&G!!

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thanks for watching!

[@Muguratiu]

Dude, this video is a gold mine. Literally!

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thanks :-)

[@stephaniem.matthews5539]

This was fascinating and tackled a couple aspects I'd never considered before. You're right, "staggering" is absolutely the key word here.

[@LEFT4BASS]

The collapse of the Western Roman Empire and prosperity of the eastern makes a lot of sense in light of this. The money was coming from the east, so a split would have ended the east subsidizing the west, leaving the east to prosper and the west to decline.

[@croisaor2308]

Yup. The movement of the capital to Constantinople and its rapid growth were all funded by Egyptian food that was diverted from Rome and the west. Without that food Rome declined dramatically and eventually only had a few thousand people living in the remains of what once was a city of 1 million.

[@devonrusinek5807]

I have to wonder if this same logic will come to play in 2019, 2020

[@Malohdek]

Not even just Egypt, but Constantinople being the only land route to the east posed a huge trade benefit. Nothing goes from Persia to the Alps without the Byzantines saying something about it. I only wish development in Gaul was more substantial. I'd have liked to see the Western Roman empire continue, instead of falling apart into the feudal mess it did.

[@cesare.lopezelll8122]

One of your greatest vids yet

[@sitamun7598]

Great video, but I believe you downplayed the importance ancient Somalia played in propping up the economy of the Roman Empire via the Red Sea and Indian Ocean trade. City states like Sarapion, Mosylon and Port Isis in Somalia connected the wealthy exotic regions of the Far East to Egypt and ultimately Rome. Without these crucial cities, Rome would never have been able to profit so extensively and so easily from exotic goods. Many Greek writers wrote about these cities and their importance to the Ptolemies and ultimately Rome.

[@paulthompson5968]

Very nice vid! People always asked how Rome fell, this vid helps explains the economic contribution for it's demise.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Oh no, the main reasons are still to come

[@vascof.goncalves5985]

Before this video: Romans love me some grain. After this video: Oh. Also, despite loving the battle videos, these tend to be the ones I enjoy the most; my favourite is your video on the administrations of Iranian Empires. Absolute fan of your work, thank you so much.

[@Mattyhollis]

I'm glad you like that kind of content, it's certaintly something we'll be pushing more in the future. : ) Any particular empires or states that you'd like?

[@vascof.goncalves5985]

@@Mattyhollis Thanks for asking! Definitely more into Eastern & Asian empires/states since those tend to be the lesser known ones. But honestly, I'm game for anything this channel produces :)

[@moisa7992]

Kings and general is really clever I'm impressed

[@MikkoAPenttila]

I agree with SeleucusNicator, great idea! I will also add, that if possible, videos about the slow processes of language , cultural and identity shifts after various conquest throughout history would be great.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Working on some interesting stuff!

[@Jaunyus]

Thanks for the awesome upload. I had been looking for something like this for a while.