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