roman empire

Roman Empire GDP per Capita Map Shows That Romans Poorer Than Countries Today

2 months ago

The average Roman in 14AD was poorer than the average citizen of every country in 2015, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the world's poorest nation in 2012 with a GDP per capita of $766.
GDP per capita varied widely across the Roman Empire; Italia had an estimated $857, higher than Congo's today, while the poorest provinces were half as wealthy, similar to income inequality between US states today.
Key reasons for modern global poor being wealthier than Romans include independence from empires, the end of slavery, advancements in science and technology (e.g., mobile phones, agriculture), and improved health (higher life expectancy, lower infant mortality).
The GDP calculations for the Roman Empire are based on historian Angus Maddison's estimates using Sestertius records and wheat equivalent figures, with an assumed population of 44 million in 14AD, though they are considered educated guesses.
Comments on the article critique the comparison, noting issues like ignoring inflation, purchasing power differences, lifestyle factors, industrialization, and the context of Roman wealth relative to their time, with some calling the analysis flawed or silly.