Have you heard the saying 'All roads lead to Rome'? The Romans built about 50,000 miles of paved roads — enough to circle the whole Earth twice! The roads connected every corner of the empire back to the capital city.
Roman roads were built in layers, like a sandwich: big stones on the bottom, then gravel, then sand, with smooth, flat paving stones on top. The middle was raised so rain would run off to the sides. Roads were built as straight as possible — right over hills instead of around them!
Why so many roads? Soldiers could march quickly, traders could move goods in carts, and messengers could carry mail across the empire. One famous road, the Appian Way, was built in 312 BC — and you can still walk on parts of it today!
1. About how many miles of paved roads did the Romans build?
2. Why was the middle of the road raised up?
3. Name two reasons the Romans needed good roads.
1. People say all roads lead to .
2. Roman roads were built in , like a sandwich.
3. Roads were built as as possible.
4. The famous Way was built in 312 BC.
5. Roads helped march quickly across the empire.
Number the road layers from 1 (bottom) to 4 (top).
| Layer | Order (1–4) |
|---|---|
| Smooth paving stones | |
| Big stones | |
| Sand | |
| Gravel |
Build a Roman road model in a shoebox lid or tray! Layer it like the Romans: pebbles or blocks on the bottom, then crumpled paper 'gravel,' then a smooth top of flat cardboard 'paving stones.'
Drive a toy car down your road. Smooth ride? The Romans would be proud!
1. How are Roman roads like our highways today?
2. Why do you think some Roman roads still exist after 2,000 years?