The project aims at improving the knowledge of the Roman economy and trade in the western Mediterranean Sea (the 4th century BC – the 1st century AD), thanks to the use of modern research methodologies. The methods applied are the ones of archaeology and archaeometry (in particular, laboratory researches to determine the origin of materials). For ceramics, in particular, the existing data on central-southern Italy and relating to production centres, distribution means, trade networks are being gathered for a new reading and interpretation of them. Following is the main scope of the project.