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Abstract: “FOR THE GRATER EASE OF COMMERCE” SHIPPING AGENTS AND MERCANTILE/FINANCIAL MEDIATION IN ROME BETWEEM THE SIXTEENTH AND NINETEENTH CENTURIES This essay analyzes the complex history of Roman mediators between the sixteenth and ninete4nth centuries. Mediators played a very important, although obscure, role in the consolidation and development of the commercial and financial relations in the city, especially through the reduction of transaction costs. This analysis has revealed some interesting aspects concerning the development of the Roman Market (both material and intangible goods) and the controversial behavior of the public authorities in regulating commerce. In the time period examined, the mediation sector underwent great changes. Between sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, it was characterized by the absence of institutions and regulations to discipline the many types of mediation. In the nineteenth century, the bourse and a series of regulations were introduced; however the weakness of the State and the market structure, meant that these innovations did not significantly affect he market’s transparency and efficiency.