Third Year Winner: State Management and Private Enterprise in the Grain Supply of Ancient Rome

HIST 3140, The City in the Roman World. CD: Ben Kelly.

Abstract

Readers thought this an exceptionally poised and professional research essay that takes a topic that is perhaps on the dry side and makes the issues around Rome’s dependence on imported grain compelling. The essay’s topic is clearly outlined and the comprehensive research underpinning the essay’s argument is worn lightly. Despite the extensive timeline of the period considered, readers are always know when they are and have a clear sense of historical development. We were also impressed by the deft employment of paraphrase in incorporating the work of recent scholarship, especially when these paraphrases are set against the essay’s allowing contemporary Roman sources the full benefit of direct quotation. The effect of hearing the ancients’ voices is the more striking given the context the essay creates for them.