The Role of Roman Building Techniques in the Sustainability of the Road System in the Roman Empire

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PHD Researcher, Tourism Guidance Department, Faculty of Tourism & Hotels, University of Sadat City & Assistant lecturer, Cairo Higher Institute of Tourism and Hotels

2 Tourism Guidance Department - Faculty of Tourism & Hotels - University of Sadat City

Abstract

The roads of ancient Romans testify the civil engineering skills in service of the Empire. Building the road networks witnessed many types of progress and development appeared in the several and thickness of the layers of the roads, the compacted concrete, the drainage system, intentional ruts, the width of the roads and the courier system. But the most intensive period of progress was during the reign of the emperors Augustus (27 BC.-14 AD.), Trajan (98-117 AD.) and Hadrian (117-138 AD.), whose periods witnessed a lot of architectural Transformation of the road networks.
Roman road networks are well-known for their durability and engineering proficiency. Even though being approximately two thousand years old, many of these ancient roadways remains exist in the present day e.g., the well-known via Appian in Italy and via Hadrian in Egypt. In contrast, modern roadways often frequently require repairs and maintenance. So, what were the main reasons for these massive and costly projects? What makes Roman roads so long-lasting? These are the major questions that this research aims to investigate.
Furthermore, to raise awareness of the significance of Roman road networks, as well as to encourage stakeholders to maintain and improve these routes because contemporary urbanization, or just forgetfulness, threatens the sustainability of this significant historical heritage.

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