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Roman roads are a landmark of ancient engineering, many still intact after thousands of years. How did the Romans build such sturdy roads? Discover the methods and materials used!
Ancient Roman roads are an impressive legacy of the engineering and organization of the Roman Empire. But how did they come about? roman roads were made?
With an estimated road network of more than 400.000 km long, of which around 80.500 km were paved with stones, these roads played an essential role in the expansion and maintenance of the empire.
Its impact was so significant that, to this day, many of the contemporary routes in Europe and the Middle East follow routes established by the Romans.
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Some of these Roman roads are still in use today. Many have been incorporated into modern highways, while others remain preserved and accessible as historic trails. Notable examples include the Via Appia in Italy, the Fosse Way in England, and the Via Augusta in Spain.
How were Roman roads built?
Roman road infrastructure not only facilitated the transportation of goods and people, but was also fundamental to the stability of the empire.
The roads allowed the Roman legions to move quickly, ensuring the security of the provinces and the effectiveness in suppressing revolts.
Furthermore, they were used for commercial purposes, connecting cities and markets and boosting the economic development of the region.
The construction of these roads was a joint effort involving specialized engineers, many of whom were part of the Roman army.
The legionnaires were responsible for executing the works, ensuring that the roads were built with precision and durability. This technical knowledge allowed the creation of roads that have withstood the test of time and, in some cases, are still visible today.
Technology and construction methods
The construction of Roman roads varied according to geographic location and availability of materials, but followed patterns that ensured their functionality. Roads were composed of several layers, each playing an essential role in the stability and durability of the road:
- Foundation soil: compacted to avoid settlement and covered with sand or mortar.
- Status: layer of crushed rock with a thickness between 25 and 60 cm.
- Rudus: 20 cm thick layer composed of crushed rock and mortar.
- Core: concrete base layer made of cement, sand and gravel, 30 cm thick.
- Summum dorsum: final layer composed of large blocks of rock 15 cm thick.
The roads were slightly inclined from the center to the sides, facilitating the drainage of rainwater.
Drains and drainage channels were also common along the roads. For pedestrians, there were gravel paths. compressed, separated from the main road by vertical slab curbs.
The main Roman roads
Among the most important roads, the Via Appia stands out. Built in 312 BC, this 261 km road connected Rome to Tarentum (present-day Taranto) and was later extended to Brundisium (present-day Brindisi), facilitating access to the southern regions of Italy. Another notable route was the Via Popilia, which connected Calabria to the Strait of Messina.
At the beginning of the 2nd century BC, other important roads departed from Rome, such as:
- Via Aurelia
- Via Flaminia
- Via Aemilia
- Via Valeria
- Via Latina
- Via Appia
The interconnection of these roads allowed the creation of an efficient network that linked the Roman provinces to the capital, giving rise to the famous expression “All roads lead to Rome”.
The legacy of these constructions
The Roman Empire's road infrastructure was essential to its success and longevity. At the height of Roman expansion, the empire covered approximately 4.400.000 km², and roads played a key role in managing this vast territory.
With the fall of the Roman Empire, many of these roads were abandoned or used in a fragmented manner. However, their impact is undeniable.
Many modern roads follow routes established by the Romans, ensuring that this legacy continues to influence contemporary road infrastructure.
The history of Roman roads is a testament to the genius of ancient engineering. Not only were they vital to the expansion and sustenance of the empire, they became a model for the development of modern highways.
The influence of this ancient construction remains alive, connecting cultures and facilitating travel to this day.
With geotech information.
Excellent information about ancient technology that at the time was a great advance in engineering and human ingenuity.
It is wrong to use the term “cement” to describe mortars from that time. Cement as we know it was only developed in the 19th century.
It was not highlighted that the labor used was slave labor.