Against the general background of the history of imperial Rome, the author gives a deep and thorough analysis of the trends in the development of the economy of late antiquity. The work is based on the results of many years and a comprehensive study of written and archaeological sites, in the interpretation of which M. I. Rostovtsev is a world-class master. The book was translated from an authorized German publication, the preface to which was written by M. I. Rostovtsev himself. Bright and talented work is addressed to both specialists and everyone interested in the history of late antiquity. The book is richly illustrated.