DID ROMAN GOVERNMENT MATTER? THE STANDARD OF LIVING IN THE GUADALQUIVIR VALLEY, A.D. 300-700 (SPAIN, VISIGOTHS).

The effect of Roman government on the standard of living of its subjects is investigated by comparing it to the effect of a later government in the same area, the Guadalquivir valley in southern Spain. The concept of the standard of living is taken to include both material and non-material factors, including life expectancy, the availability of food, shelter, security, entertainment and education, the prevalence of disease, and inequalities in the distribution of wealth. The relevant differences between