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Once the grandest road in all of Rome, the Appian Way stretched over 580 kilometres. It connected the mighty Roman Empire with its conquests in the far-flung corners of the world.
What was the Appian Way, exactly? And why does it still captivate us more than 2,000 years after its creation? A symbol of power and prosperity, it was a road made of stone and gravel that showcased the engineering prowess of a civilisation that would leave an indelible mark on history.
In this article we dig into the history and importance of the legendary road, revealing the story of a marvel of ancient engineering and a cultural treasure that continues to inspire us.
So buckle up, and let’s hit the road, as we journey down the Appian Way and discover its enduring legacy.
Historical Background
Queen of the Long Roads
Often referred to as the Queen of the Long Roads the Appian Way has become a symbol of ancient Rome’s remarkable talent for infrastructure. This infrastructure, which included bridges, tunnels, aqueducts, and roads, allowed the Romans to expand and conquer faster and more efficiently than any other civilisation had done before. And it all started with one man.
Appius Claudius Caecus
Appius Claudius Caecus was a polymath and (ironically) a visionary. The addition of caecus (blind) to his name, was the result of the Romans’ tendency toward trenchant nicknames. Although he was not totally blind until his later years, his impaired vision makes his work, which was revolutionary, even more remarkable.
The Appian Way, or ‘Via Appia’ was built in 312 BCE. It was the first paved Roman road in the 80,000km (50,000 miles) network that ultimately extended throughout three continents over the next 700 years. The road network connected Rome to northern England, down to southern Egypt, and as far east as Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq). The Appian Way kickstarted a legacy of civil engineering that still influences civil projects today.
Appius was elected consul in 312 BC and his responsibilities typically included registering citizens and their properties as well as overseeing infrastructure. His appointment was a prudent one. Besides creating the most strategically important highway in the empire, he is also credited with commissioning the first aqueduct, the Aqua Appia.
The Appian Way was Crucial for the Military and Trade.
The Appian Way was not built primarily for trade, but for military purposes. During the first Samnite War in 343 BCE, the Romans were forced to a ceasefire as they were unable to reach and resupply their troops. Almost 20 years later, they suffered another setback when they were trapped in the mountains without supplies. The Romans were consequently forced to withdraw their colonies from Samnite territories.
To avoid similar humiliations happening again, Appius’ first project was to commission a road to be built from Rome to Capua. Originally, the road only ran 212 km (132 miles) but by 244 BCE, it had extended another 370 km (230 miles) to the seaport of Brindisi in southwest Italy.
The road provided the easy movement of troops and supplies and access to the southern territories. However, it was also instrumental in opening trade to Greece and beyond. During peace times, this was a crucial factor in the expansion of an empire.
A Transportation and Trade Route
To keep the well-oiled machinations of the empire running, the Appian Way quickly became a vital transportation route between Rome and its growing territories. Extending the road to the Adriatic Sea meant access to the East. All it took was a short boat ride to Greece, then on to Turkey, Mesopotamia, and ultimately, to China.
Goods were exchanged with every country in and outside the empire. Essential items included:
- Salt: for seasoning, food preservation, trade, and currency – particularly for soldiers.
- Horses: for transportation and military use.
- Linen: for clothing, sailcloth, awnings, and napkins.
- Wild animals: used in gladiatorial fights and other games.
- Slaves: required for every aspect of Roman life.
- Iron and other minerals: for the formation of tools, weapons, armour, and utensils.
- Silk: an eventual addition from China and a favourite of the rich nobility.
Extending the Appian Way further South of Capua also created an opportunity for the Romans to acquire the lands in southern Italy. By bringing these areas under Roman rule, they gained access to farmland considered ideal for wine production and other crops.
The Appian Way served as a postal service for government messengers. Along the road were several well-maintained way stations and inns that provided accommodation and rest stops for messengers, travellers, and traders.
Basalt paving stones, with wheel ruts, of the Via Appia Antica
Physical Characteristics of the Appian Way
The Appian Way was not the first road in Italy, but it was the first well-built paved road that initiated a consistently growing network of highways connecting the capital to its vast empire. The Etruscans built the first roads in Italy, but they were inferior to, and lacked the permanence of, Roman roads.
The Way was designed with several unique physical characteristics:
- It was 6 metres (20 feet) wide which allowed two wagons to pass each other from opposite directions.
- The road had a convex surface and canals that ran along the sides to facilitate water drainage.
- There were two pathways made of compacted gravel, one on either side of the road, for pedestrians.
- Cylindrical milestone markers included the distance to the nearest main town, the name of the reigning emperor and the year the stone was erected.
- The road was built in a straight line wherever possible. This required cutting forests, diverting creeks, cutting through mountainsides, and building causeways over marshes.
Roman officials enforced rules of the road so they could monitor traffic. The rules included restrictions on the use of wagons during the day to keep traffic flowing. Most people travelled on horseback or on foot, while the wealthy travelled in carriages. Horses were changed at post stations every ten Roman miles. One Roman mile (1000 steps) was equivalent to 0.92 of an Imperial mile.
The Appian Way was Built and Maintained to Ensure Longevity.
What set the Roman roads apart were their endurance and practical design.
In constructing roads, the Romans followed a meticulous process:
- First, they dug a ditch and lay a surface of compacted sand.
- The ditch was then filled with gravel, crushed brick, and clay.
- Large curb stones were erected at both sides of the ditch.
- A top layer was added, which consisted of a complex lime cement and slabs of smooth stone.
The Appian Way was surfaced with polygonal blocks of basalt lava, able to carry the weight of legions of soldiers, heavy carts, and carriages. The carriage marks that are still etched into the flagstones attest to the durability of the Appian Way.
The Appian Way’s Cultural and Historical Significance
The Appian Way has borne witness to over 2,300 years of culture and history. If stones could talk, they would reveal the darker side of the great empire. As it was the main artery for armies and supplies, the Appian Way has been the site of countless battles lost and won.
The Spartacus Revolt
During the third Servile War (73-71 BCE), also known as the Spartacus Revolt, the gladiator Spartacus led an army of 40,000 former slaves against the Roman Empire. After two years of victories, Spartacus and his army were eventually defeated. 6,000 rebels were strung up on crucifixes along both sides of the Appian Way, from Rome to Capua. Their bodies were left to rot as a warning to other slaves.
Photo: sethschoen/WikiCommons. Jewish catacombs, Appian Way.
The Catacombs
As it was forbidden to bury the dead within city walls, tombs and mausoleums were built on the outskirts. The Appian Way was a logical place and popular route for burials. With the arrival of Christianity, the dead were placed in long labyrinthine underground tunnels called catacombs. There are three catacombs that can be visited along the Appian Way:
- St Domitilla is 16 metres underground. This catacomb is the oldest and the only one with bones still on display.
- St Callixtus has 20 km of passageways. This catacomb is the largest, and once housed half a million bodies including those of several popes.
- St Sebastian catacombs are alleged to have been the burial place of the apostles Peter and Paul, as well as the martyr Saint Sebastian.
The Appian Way Influenced Other Ancient World Roads
The historical significance of the Appian Way must not be underestimated. Not only did it play an integral role in the expansion and consolidation of the Roman Empire, but it has influenced other ancient roads. These in turn became crucial to their own development and expansion.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Roman engineering techniques and infrastructure systems continued to be employed by subsequent cultures and countries. The Byzantine engineers carried on the tradition of road building using the same materials and techniques. In Spain, the Visigoths and later, the Moors from Arabia and North Africa, were influenced by the remaining Roman infrastructure. Many of the structures were either modified and adapted, or the material was used to build new roads and buildings.
The engineering marvels of the Romans have stood the test of time and continue to be admired for their beauty, functionality, and historical significance. Today, many of these structures are considered cultural and historical monuments, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Legacy of the Appian Way
The Appian Way has been Preserved and Restored.
The Appian Way has left a long-lasting legacy appreciated to this day. Tourists from all around the world come to admire the ancient road and to feel a sense of its history and importance. As a result, the Italian government has taken steps to protect the road from further damage and preserve its historical, archaeological, and architectural heritage. The Italian Culture Ministry has bid to have the entire route of the Via Appia Antica included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
A popular Tourist Destination.
Today, visitors can still see the Appian Way in its original form in many places and it is easily accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. If starting in Rome, the road begins at Capitol Hill, passes through the Roman Forum, and past the Arch of Titus. The modern section of the road finishes in the Alban Hills near the Pope’s summer residence, but many other stretches of the road are accessible to visitors.
In Summary
The Appian Way was more than just a road. It was a masterpiece of engineering, a symbol of the power and prosperity of the Roman Empire, and a cultural and historical treasure that has endured for centuries.
From its construction to its preservation, the Appian Way has left a lasting impression on the world. It is a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Romans. And it highlights the importance of transportation infrastructure in the development of civilisation.
The legacy of the Appian Way is the timeless story of adventure, ambition, and the enduring power of human creativity. It is a reminder that, even in the modern age, we are connected by the roads we build, the stories we tell, and the memories we have.
FAQs
Q: When was the Appian Way built?
A: The Appian Way was built in 312 BCE.
Q: What was the purpose of the Appian Way?
A: The Appian Way was a vital transportation route that connected Rome to southern Italy and other parts of the Roman Empire. It played a crucial role in the military and trade.
Q: What were the physical characteristics of the Appian Way?
A: The Appian Way was well-constructed and maintained, stretching over 500 kilometers and made of stone and gravel. It was designed to be wide enough for two wagons to pass each other.
Q: What was the cultural and historical significance of the Appian Way?
A: The Appian Way was a testament to the engineering prowess of the Romans and its design influenced other road systems in the ancient world. It is a valuable cultural and historical monument and an important part of Rome’s cultural heritage.
Q: What is the legacy of the Appian Way?
A: Despite its age, the Appian Way has been preserved and restored over the years and is now a popular tourist destination. It remind us of the importance of transportation infrastructure in the development of civilisation, and it is a valuable cultural and historical monument.