Roman Roads (2017) (sashamaps.net)

Article summary

The article presents a subway-style diagram of the major Roman roads, based on the Empire of ca. 125 AD, created after extensive research using various sources. The map includes actual, named roads as well as roads with invented names. The author notes that traveling times varied greatly depending on the mode of transport and season, with sailing being much cheaper and faster than land travel. The map is available in different versions, including an updated one that incorporates feedback from readers.

Main themes

• Roman roads and transportation
• Map creation and design
• Ancient Roman history and geography
• Travel and transportation methods
• Historical research and accuracy

What commenters say

• The Roman road network was a crucial factor in the integration of new areas into the central empire through the transportation of goods, ideas, and armies.
• The speed of travel on horseback versus on foot is debated, with some arguing that horses would not significantly increase speed for regular people due to the need to carry baggage and the limited endurance of horses.
• The idea that a horse can travel twice as far as a human in a day is disputed, with some citing the need for rest and the weight of baggage as limiting factors.
• The concept of 'relay horses' is proposed as a possible explanation for the faster travel times of wealthy individuals, who could swap out horses at stations.
• The speed and endurance of humans and horses are compared, with some arguing that humans can sustain a pace of 20-30 miles per day, while others claim that this is an overestimation.
• The importance of considering factors such as terrain, weather, and load when estimating travel times is emphasized.
• The use of horses for travel is seen as primarily useful for carrying baggage and providing support, rather than increasing speed.
• The article's estimate of two months to walk from Rome to Byzantium is seen as plausible, given the difficulties and dangers of ancient travel.