The Roads of the Romans

"Beginning with the city streets of Rome, Romolo Staccioli's study progresses outward to describe the suburban routes linking Rome with surrounding towns; the Via Latina, the national road that was the backbone of the entire system; and the great "consular" roads such as the Via Appia that connected Rome with the distant regions of its sprawling empire. Staccioli considers the infrastructure - bridges, viaducts, and tunnels - that supported the system as well as the facilities - rest stations, vehicle services, and sundries - that supported its travelers. Finally, he discusses the extent to which this system survived the end of the ancient world and remained operative, with various modifications, into the modern age."--BOOK JACKET.