Expanding African trade in the Adriatic during early Imperial age

The presence of African products in the northern Adriatic area is usually linked to the development of trade in foodstuffs during the 3rd century AD when the market was invested by an enormous quantity of Tunisian products. The start of this trend, however, is to be sought in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, a period of time in which it is already possible to observe an interesting presence of products exported from the region of Africa Proconsularis. Its development assigns Africa a fundamental role in the Mediterranean market and lays the foundation for the real economic, social and cultural globalisation of the ancient world during the 4th century AD. Taking into consideration these trade relationships, the role of Aquileia inside the Adriatic distribution system has been examined. The city occupied a strategic position as a natural terminal of the commercial routes from the south and as a redistribution hub towards its hinterland and to the provinces beyond the Alps.