The Romans having erected a vast empire in Europe, Asia, and Africa, the weakness
of the people and the tyranny of their laws united all the parts of this
immense body. The Roman policy was then to avoid all communication with
those nations whom they had not subdued: the fear of carrying to them
the art of conquering made them neglect the art of enriching themselves.
They made laws to hinder all commerce with barbarians. "Let nobody,"
said Valens and Gratian,
[115]
"send wine, oil, or other liquors to the
barbarians, though it be only for them to taste." "Let no one carry gold
to them," add Gratian, Valentinian, and Theodosius;
[116]
"rather, if
they have any, let our subjects deprive them of it by stratagem." The
exportation of iron was prohibited on pain of death.
Domitian, a prince of great timidity, ordered the vines in Gaul to
be pulled up,
[117]
from fear, no doubt, lest their wines should draw
thither the barbarians. Probus and Julian, who had no such fears, gave
orders for their being planted again.
I am sensible that upon the declension of the Roman empire the
barbarians obliged the Romans to establish staple towns, and to trade
with them. But even this is a proof that the minds of the Romans were
averse to commerce.
[118]
