Around 100 AD, the Roman Empire expanded its leather industry, establishing large tanneries that produced leather for military sandals, tents, armor, and codices. This expansion showcased the Romans' advanced craftsmanship and their ability to utilize resources efficiently. The leather industry played a crucial role in supporting the Roman military and administrative apparatus, contributing to the empire's stability and expansion.

The expansion of the Roman leather industry supported the transition from scrolls to codices, revolutionizing the dissemination of poetry. This shift allowed works like Virgil's to reach wider audiences, influencing literary traditions and practices, as the accessibility of texts encouraged a flourishing of poetic expression.