In ancient Rome, the term “negotium” meant professional activity, both in the economic and political sense. It was the opposite of “otium” – free time devoted to rest, reflection or cultural life. Negotium played a key role in shaping the social and economic structure of the Roman Empire, as the Romans viewed work not only as a means of earning a living but also as a way to pursue ambition and gain prestige.
In Rome, the approach to work and professional negotiations was strongly related to social status. For the aristocracy, negotium primarily meant public activities, especially holding offices, managing property, and political intrigues. On the other hand, for the lower classes, such as plebeians or slaves, negotium meant daily work that ensured their survival or enabled social advancement.
Interestingly, in the later period of the Empire, the approach to negotium evolved. Despite previously despising manual labour or trade, many members of the upper social classes began to engage in commercial and financial activities, seeing it as an opportunity to gain greater independence and wealth.
Negotium was the driving force of the Roman economy, both in the context of agriculture, trade and industry. Romans were known for organizing enterprises, such as craft workshops and construction projects, that were of great importance to the development of the empire. Establishing trade networks in the Mediterranean basin and developing infrastructure, including roads and ports, favoured the dynamic development of negotium.
