What If Rome Had Industrialized? | Samo Burja

Today on Moment of Zen, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja examine "failed" industrial revolutions throughout history, particularly Rome's sophisticated water-powered manufacturing, standardized production, and steam engine prototypes. The discussion explores how civilizations like Rome and Song Dynasty China achieved industrial-scale commerce and technology before ultimately plateauing or collapsing due to demographic, military, or economic constraints.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DISCUSSION:

Roman Industrial Capabilities:

• Extensive use of water power for mills, ironworks, marble cutting, and mining
• Mass production of pottery (53 million amphora estimated from one Roman hill)
• Standardized parts for statues, military equipment, and containers
• Advanced metallurgy producing air pollution detectable in Greenland ice cores

Technological Sophistication:

• Hero of Alexandria created functional steam engines as early experiments
• Romans used coal for heating and had portable fire pumps
• Nanotechnology in glassware (Lycurgus Cup with gold/silver particles)
• Complex mechanical devices and automated systems

Economic Scale:

• Billion+ amphora production across the empire
• Sophisticated consumer economy with middle class purchasing power
• Standardized commerce and shipping networks across Mediterranean
• Industrial-scale mining that reshaped entire landscapes

Why They "Failed":

• Population decline removed growth incentive
• Military pressures from external forces
• Reached saturation point where demand was met
• Industrial revolutions follow S-curves that plateau without continued expansion

Broader Pattern:

• Song Dynasty China faced similar trajectory before nomadic conquests
• Large-scale commerce and state demand were prerequisites
• Water transportation networks enabled industrial development
• All required demographic/geographic growth to sustain technological advancement