Appian Way, 312 BC Miracle of road construction

(ORDO NEWS) — Appian Way: In Italy, in particular in Rome, there are many ancient and amazing sights. There is a Colosseum here. Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. And then there is the Roman Appian Way.

The oldest and most perfect example of early road construction, built in 312 BC.

The Appian Way is perfectly preserved. It has been polished by millennia of rain and bad weather. For thousands of years, cartwheels, horses and feet have passed through them.

When you walk this path yourself, you really go back to the past. You are following in the footsteps of history.

Emperors

You walk alongside Roman emperors, saints, merchants, legionnaires, scholars and keep your eyes on St. Peter and the place where he had a vision of Jesus.

The road runs from Rome to Brindisi, a port in southern Italy. It is located in the “heel” region of the country on the Adriatic Sea. Conceived as a highway, allowing the movement of soldiers and goods needed during the Samnite Wars.

Today it is one of the largest tourist centers in Italy, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world.

WarIn the initial section, near Rome, it was a very monumental and picturesque road. It then connected the prosperous cities and regions of Southern Italy and finally reached Brindisi, the gateway to Greece and the East, which was the cradle of Mediterranean civilizations.

War

The road was the idea of ​​the censor Claudius Ceck. He wanted to develop an efficient way to deliver the necessary military supplies during the war. People, equipment, food and general supplies without geographical obstacles slowing down movement.

The Appian Way cuts through hills, marshes and runs along the coast without letting geography hinder its construction.

The road was built from massive, heavy stone blocks, compacted with limestone mortar, and then covered with lava blocks.

Thanks to the skill of the engineers, everything was fitted to each other tightly and evenly. The average width of the road is about 20 feet. Like all Roman roads, it was built with an excellent drainage system.

Appian Way 312 BC

Thanks to this composition, the road became smooth over time and withstood the trips of heavy carts. A new road was built running parallel to it. However, part of the road is still preserved outside of Rome.

The Appian Way was built by engineers and slaves in stages, but eventually stretched for 400 miles. In 312 BC. this construction feat bordered on a miracle.

Although its main goal was the rapid movement of military supplies from one place to another. The road was also used for many other purposes.

It allowed those in power in the Roman Empire to contact countries to the east, including Greece. In addition, it allowed the free movement of trade goods within Italy.

Today, not only the road itself remains such a unique attraction. Along the road are magnificent examples of Roman sculpture, including several monuments and towering columns.

St. Peter

The road has earned praise from both politicians and poets. The Roman poet Statius called her “the queen of (distant) roads.”

Not far from Rome, the first 10 miles of the Appian Way have been preserved. They are within the boundaries of the regional park.

Along the road are Christian catacombs, which were the followers of Christ. Those who did not have large financial resources buried their dead in mass graves, on land owned by neighboring, more affluent citizens. These eerie underground areas stretch for miles and go into the ground in many layers.

Also along the route is a small, modest church built in the 9th century. In this place (according to the story) Peter had a vision of Jesus Christ. He told Peter that he was returning to Rome to meet his fate. Scientists say that the footprints of Christ himself were imprinted on the stone on the floor in the church.

New road

After the Appian way, people built other roads in Rome. But “Via Appia Antica”, as the Italians call it, has been around for 2,000 years. It also has a unique, ancient look and feel that captivates visitors and is a source of pride for all Italian citizens.

Whether you travel on foot or by bike, the Appian Way is a must-see. This is a must stop during any visit to Italy.

From the center of Rome to the beginning of the park can be quickly reached by metro or bus. A few hours of walking along it is like a journey into the past. The road is a marvel of engineering prowess and a testament to the longevity of Roman transportation innovations.

If anything inspired the proverb “all roads lead to Rome”, it’s the Appian Way.

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