hard · SAT Reading & Writing

Historians of the ancient world have noted that the expansion of the Roman road network coincided with a dramatic increase in inter-regional trade and the spread of a common currency. While the roads were originally built for military transport, they were quickly adopted by merchants and travelers. This suggests that

1. Merchants were the primary financiers of the Roman Empire's road construction projects.
2. Infrastructure designed for military purposes can facilitate broader economic integration.
3. The Roman Empire would have collapsed much sooner if it had not prioritized trade over war.
4. Road networks are the only factor that determines the success of a common currency.

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