The Roman Grain Supply, 442–455

The Vandal occupation of North Africa has been seen as the deathblow to the western empire because of the Vandals’ ensuing control over the Roman grain supply. This study, however, suggests that Rome did not suff er from frequent food crises between 442 and 455. Adducing Vandal taxation policy, numismatic evidence, archaeological land surveys, and precipitation data from modern Tunisia, it furthermore contends that the Vandals were in fact sending grain to Rome during this time, even if in lesser amounts than what North Africa had been shipping previously. It also postulates that the empire’s demand on grain had fallen substantially since the fourth century because of a shrinking Roman army and a reduction in the city of Rome’s population. Finally, it is suggested that after 442 the western empire still possessed sufficient grain producing lands to meet the needs of Rome’s urban population.