text: did the roman empire use capitalism?   generally, a society is capitalist if: 1.) the means of production are privately owned and operated for profit.  2.) money is used instead of barter 3.) there is a free labor market. 4.) decisions regarding investment are made privately 5.) production and distribution is primarily controlled by companies each acting in its own interest.  the roman empire would have met 1, 2 (mostly), 4 (usually), and 5 (although 5 generally would be individuals instead of companies).  3 would be iffy, since slavery existed, and a lack of mobility prevented a truly free labor market outside of the largest cities.