What was probably the most important commodity in ancient Rome?
Food and urine were important commodities in ancient Rome. Urine was used for laundering clothes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_commerce
The most important commodity in ancient Rome was arguably grain. To find this answer, we can look at historical records and consider several factors.
First, agriculture was the backbone of the Roman economy, and grain was the staple food for the majority of Romans. It formed the basis of their diet and was essential for survival.
Second, the city of Rome had a massive population, estimated to have reached around one million people at its peak. With such a large population, sourcing and distributing an adequate supply of grain was a top priority for the Empire.
Third, the government implemented a system called the "Annona" to manage the importation, distribution, and sale of grain. This system ensured that every citizen had access to a monthly ration of grain, highlighting its crucial role in daily life and political stability.
Additionally, the dependence on grain imports led to the expansion of Roman territories to secure reliable sources, including the acquisition of Sicily, Egypt, and North Africa.
Overall, considering the centrality of grain to the Roman diet, the size of the population, the Annona system, and the territorial expansion necessary to sustain the supply, it is safe to say that grain was the most important commodity in ancient Rome.