All Roads Lead to Rome
A Look into the Creation of the Appian Way
I am sure we have all heard the old adage, “All roads lead to Rome.” With the Appian Way, that’s quite literally the case. Traveling 360 miles from Rome to the South of Italy, this feat of engineering was essential to the function of the Roman Republic.
I’ve always been fascinated with the history of and surrounding this great road, and hope to someday walk it. Today, let’s explore the creation and use of the Appian Way.
Regina Viarum
The Appian Way, or Via Appia, was one of the first highways in the world. Built at the height of the Roman Republic, it connected Rome to the less integrated south of the peninsula.
Central to the functioning of the Republic, the road was given the moniker Regina Viarum, or Queen of Roads.
When building the road, the primary purpose was for military and communication, especially considering the Etruscans covered much of the southern peninsula.
However, the creation of the Appian Way also created a lot of cultural and economic growth which helped elevate many of Rome’s citizens.
