Do all roads lead to Rome?

The answer is yes, or at least it was at the time of the Roman Empire. The intricate land communications system built by the Romans stretched from East Africa to the Germania forests, from the Iberian Peninsula to the Caucasus and from England to the Persian Gulf. Nearly 400 roads, more than 70,000 kilometers long, linked Rome with the most remote areas of its Empire.

The Romans built this network of roads mainly for military and administrative reasons. In many cases, it was the legions themselves that mapped the roads. These took their name from the function they performed - the Via Salaria was related to the transport of salt - from the places of destination - the Via Tiburtina died in Tibur or Tivoli - and from their builders - the Via Apia was commissioned by Celius Claudius the Blind.

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