I think a big part of it was that coal was useless in the smelting process during roman times due to its impurities. Coke wasn't discovered until ~400 AD and it

I think a big part of it was that coal was useless in the smelting process during roman times due to its impurities. Coke wasn't discovered until ~400 AD and it wasnt even really used until ~900 AD. Without the need for lots of coal, there was less incentive in steam engines. meanwhile Roam already good means of smelting iron (wood->charcoal). I think had Roam discovered coke, it would indeed had an industrial revolution.