Why did the cost of spices decreased so much?

“[the city’s engineers excelled in areas] neglected by the greeks, such as the construction of roads and aqueducts, and of sewers that could wash the filth of the city into the tiber. they have built paved roads throughout the country, leveling ridges and filling up hollows, so as to make possible the movements of heavily loaded wagons. . and such is the quantity of water brought in by the aqueducts, that veritable rivers flow through the city and its sewers: almost every house has cisterns, waterpipes, and copious fountains.” —strabo, as quoted in empires ascendant: time frame 400 b. c.–a. d. 200 cisterns are tanks that hold water until it is needed; if a house has a cistern, it is likely to also have a. aqueducts. c. a swimming pool. b. a fish pond. d. sinks and faucets.

Can you summarize this? it takes time and caution to perfect anything which must be concealed. it takes time to crush men who are pursuing legitimate trade. but one of mr. rockefeller’s most impressive characteristics is patience. there never was a more patient man, or one who could dare more while he waited. the folly of hurrying, the folly of discouragement, for one who would succeed, went hand in hand. everything must be ready before he acted, but while you wait you must prepare, must think, work. "you must put in, if you would take out." his instinct for the money opportunity in things was amazing, his perception of the value of seizing this or that particular invention, plant, market, was unerring.

How did the commercial whaling industry affect whaling practices of the makah people?