The economic strength & policy of Roman occupied Jerusalem alternated frequently, and often intertwined, with accordance to the political and social circumstances of the period. For example, Jerusalem was practically annihilated following the aftermath of the first Jewish-Roman war, and therefore had very meager economic relevance in the years following.

Before the devastating war, Jerusalem was widely acclaimed as a vibrant metropolis and an international city center. The vast majority of it's economic activity was centered around the temple mount. It was there where many arriving pilgrims would often buy their food supplies as well as the necessary sacrificial and ritualistic offerings needed to pay homage to their deity.

Coins from all over the world were recognized as legal tender in the holy city, and many bankers and coin-exchangers appeared to have made their living from such trades.

The economic prosperity of the city led to large scale expanding and building activity centering around the temple mount. A good amount of residents were employed as construction workers to fulfill the ambitious projects.

Indeed, it appears to be that the majority of economic activity was centered around the temple mount.

Book: The Economy of Roman Palestine by Ze'Ev Safrai (1994) Chapter 4- Jerusalem as a market center.