romanroads

 Home The Infrastructure of Rome: Roads and Construction When you get to Rome, you will need a way of getting around seeing all of the beautiful things Rome has to offer. Roman built the most famous and extensive system of roads known to the Ancient people. They are primarily used so that the Roman army can mover swiftly through the city. The 372 roads that stretch over a total of 53,000 miles will enable you to see sights starting in Scotland and ending at the Euphrates River! The Romans got their technique from the Etruscans who made gravel roads with stable beds. The Romans added an Embankment foundation and laid rubble to allow drainage. If you travel between mountain passes, you may find that it is to narrow or steep for you cart to travel. In this case, you will need to find another path to be able to get to your destination. The roads that were built in Rome were strategically laid out. Roads are durable in any type of weather and they can handle up to ½ a ton. Every mile traveled, there is a mile marker to.Rural roads are built to that they can accommodate two Chariots abreast! The roads of Rome have been refined, maintained, and rebuilt for many centuries. No other roads have even been compared to Roman roads until the 19th century. These roads are sure to keep you safe when you travel around Rome, Italy!

**When you get to Rome, you will want to visit the incredible sights. First, you may want to see the Roman Forum which is the city’s marketplace and civic center.. The Roman Forum consists of many important buildings including the Regia (The Place of the King of Rome and the office of the highest priests) and the Tabularium (which houses the 12 Tables and other important Roman documents). The offices of the three branches of Rome’s government are located just outside of the Roman Forum.** Did you know that the 1st architects were Priests? The Romans believed that "whatever happens here is a sign from the gods". The Romans got most of their architectural techniques from the Etruscans and the Greeks. They formed plaster and bricks to make buildings. Although the Roman didn’t invent the arch, they improved the method by increasing the maximum amount of weight possible by an outstanding amount. They did this by using concrete. Arches are made of many wedge shaped blocks that are put together to hold up and add decoration to a building. When the arch is being built, it is supported by a wooden frame which is later removed after the keystone (the top stone) is in place. The concept of an arch has two main purposes: decoration and support. Romans could build incredible structures including aqueducts and important buildings such as the Roman Forum. Eventually, the Romans discovered that they could combine the arches to make vaults (ceilings), and the Romans eventually formed a crescent ceiling called a dome. The arches that the Romans        improved have an enduring impact today. Buildings like the White House could not be possible without the Romans creative structure. Buildings in Rome often have columns with a decorative capital (top). Their purpose is also to suport and decorate buildings. Romans put a lot of thought into the construction of roads and buildings. [|Click here to view the Roman Forum] The Roads have had a big impact on modern day society. Signs such as stop signs, yeild signs, rail road track signs, and caution signs may not have developed without the idea of the mile markers. Whenever it rains, the streets might flood terribly still today if not for the romans. The way buildings are made may not have even been this good in this time without the Roman people. It's a possibility that we wouldn't even have domes, arches, on large buildings without them. Romans really have helped us! Home