Roads

Ancient Roman roads were a remarkable feat of engineering and played a vital role in the expansion and administration of the Roman Empire. Constructed primarily for military purposes, these roads facilitated the movement of troops, goods, and information across vast distances. The roads were built with multiple layers, including a foundation of large stones, a middle layer of gravel or sand, and a surface of tightly packed stones, ensuring durability and efficient drainage.

Key features included milestones that marked distances, and some roads even had drainage systems to manage rainwater. The most famous of these roads was the Via Appia, connecting Rome to the southern regions of Italy. The extensive network of over 250,000 miles of roads exemplified Roman engineering skills and contributed significantly to trade, cultural exchange, and the overall unity of the empire. These roads laid the groundwork for modern road systems and are a testament to Rome’s lasting influence on infrastructure.