The Ancient Romans, as is well known, were great road builders.
The roads were initially built by soldiers as the quickest route between their garrisons and camps.
Roman Slaves and captured prisoners of war were also used to build the Roman Road network.
The roads were built in layers, with a base of levelled sand. On top of this there was broken concrete and stone then another layer of coarse sand and lime. Finally the road was surfaced with blocks of stone set in concrete.
Roads built in this way by the Ancient Romans were durable and hard-wearing. Although built primarily for the use of foot-marching Roman Soldiers, they were also used by wheeled carts to transport goods. Mules slung with panniers and slaves carrying goods for their owners also travelled the Roman Roads.
The roads quickly became an important factor in the growth and development of the Roman Empire. They contributed to good communications and the fast and efficient movement of troops, people and goods. They formed an essential and neccessary link to all parts of the empire, consolidating and enhancing the power of Ancient Rome.
Every ten or twelve miles along a Roman Road there would have been a rest stop for people and horses. At these places communities formed to serve the Roman Travellers.
There would also be milestones along the way, telling Roman travellers how far they had to go to get to the next major town or waypoint.
In Brittania, Great Britain, the Romans built over six thousand miles of roads.
Scroll down the page to find out how to say "ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME" in Latin and some other languages!
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The Emperor Hadrian ruled for 21 years from A.D. 117 until A.D. 138, when the Empire of Ancient Rome was at its height.
The Emperor Hadrian consolidated and strengthened The Roman Empire. He was The Roman Emperor responsible for the building of Hadrian's Wall in England.
Hadrian was one of the most remarkable and talented of all the Emperors of Rome.... more about Emperor Hadrian
Hadrians.Com - Emperor Hadrian facts and information - What was daily life REALLY like in Ancient Rome?
Plus Hadrian's Wall History and Hadrian's Wall Photographs!
Lectica: Sketch of a Roman Litter
"The litter consists of an ordinary couch, to which four posts carrying an arched canopy and a pair of poles have been added. Above the canopy is a rod running lengthwise, to which curtains were fastened by rings. The occupant could hide himself from view by drawing these curtains across the sides" (p. 251). Carried by slaves, the litter was used in the city more by women. Commonly used in the country and on long journeys by the wealthy of both sexes, luxurious litters became fashionable in the empire.
Source: www.vroma.org
ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME
Here are some translations for the famous saying "ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME" - why do you think this was said?
Latin: Omnes viae Romam ducunt
Cornish: Dhe Rom e pub forth oll
Irish Gaelic: Teann na boithre go leir go Roimh
Scottish Gaelic: Tha a h-uile rathad a dol don Ròimh
Manx: Ta gagh raad goll gys yn Raue
Welsh: Y Mae Bob Ffordd Yn Arwain I Rufain
To see more translations in other languages go here.
Other Free resources on the web:
Ancient Rome History Resource
Ancient Rome History Resource at Hadrians.Com
Ancient Rome History Resources relating to the daily life and times of the Emperor Hadrian plus Hadrians Wall History and Images and Hadrian's Wall Photographs
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