Roman Numerals. Roman roads, especially major roads, went in a straight line and connected two cities often hundreds of kilometers apart, while other important cities along their path were only accessed through branch roads. The first major Roman road—the famed Appian Way, or “queen of the roads”—was constructed in 312 B.C. There is an old expression, "All roads lead to Rome." The construction of Roman roads involved colossal works of engineering because not only bridges and tunnels, but also viaducts, had to be built wherever roads encountered major obstacles. The Roman Empire, for example, made extensive use of concrete in creating astonishing infrastructures like the Colloseum, functional aqueducts, and sturdy roads, some of them can still be seen today. They did invent underfloor heating, concrete and the calendar that our modern calendar is based on. Roads were a help for traveling. One of the greatest feats of Roman engineers were the Roman roads. It was used to build monuments, large buildings and infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Paved Roman roads had a camber (slope) to allow the water to drain off them and they often incorporated a sidewalk or pavement. The quality of the concrete was excellent and the buildings and monuments still standing today are a testament to the strength of their construction! These were very helpful inventions. This is true, but they were prepared to deviate from the direct route if a straight road would be too steep. Roman Calendar. Modern road construction involves the removal of … Play Free Interactive Online Games about Ancient Rome. But, the reason they worked so well was because they were made out of concrete . The Romans used concrete and aimed to produce a smooth road surface. If Roman roads are considered the beginning of road construction, Telford Pavements are known as the second step of this process, followed by the Macadam Pavements that ultimately lead to the Bitumen Roads. Road Construction Techniques . Today, the concrete roads have added another dimension to stability and strength of the roadways.
This video is unavailable. Achievements, Contributions - Concrete, Aquaducts, and more. Durability and maintenance free life: Concrete roads have a long service life of forty years, whereas asphalt roads last for ten years. Roman Roads. Advantages of Concrete Roadways. The Romans did not invent drainage, sewers, the alphabet or roads, but they did develop them. Watch Queue Queue Roman roads are famed for being incredibly straight. Lets say, Roman arches. Romans are credited for the discovery of modern concrete and their study of this building material has led to the creation of many buildings and houses during their reign.

Arches were a very neat and efficient way to build structures. More over, during this service life concrete road do not require frequent repair or patching work like asphalt roads. These roads were used to connect all parts of the empire to Rome itself. Or roads? In ancient Rome, Rome was the heart of the empire. Roman concrete was so effective in many different ways. Road construction also involved massive land excavation, the transport of materials for backfill and leveling over long distances, and huge hydraulic projects for water drainage and land reclamation. Huge concrete buildings like the Colosseum remain, as do stone plinths and obelisks.