An international study carried out between the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and there Aarhus Universityin Denmark, substantially modified the knowledge about the infrastructure of the Roman empire.
By confirming that your road network reached more 300,000 kilometersa figure much higher than traditional estimates of around 190,000. The discovery arises from an ambitious digitization project that brought together archaeological informationhistorical and satellite, in the database It’s itinerary and was published in the scientific journal Scientific Data.
The work allowed us to reconstruct more precisely How these cities, provinces and key regions of the Roman world were connected almost two thousand years ago.
The result not only expands historical knowledge, but also opens new lines of research on specific phenomena such as tradethe imperial administrationmigration and the spread of diseases in Antiquity.
A digital map that changes what was known about Rome
For decades, historians have worked with fragmentary maps of Roman roads. Many routes were hidden under modern cities, agricultural fields or transformed landscapes, making it difficult to have a comprehensive view of the road system of Roman empire.
The new survey integrated archaeological records, historical documents – such as the Antonino itinerary—, old topographic maps and current satellite images. From this crossing of sources a much more precise cartography emerged that was adjusted to the real geography.
Unlike previous maps, the digital layout respects mountains, valleys and winding routesjust as Roman engineers did, allowing us to better understand the strategic decisions behind the construction of roads.
Strategic data of the Roman road network
The project allowed systematize key information about the scope and structure of the Roman road system. Among the main data that emerge from the study are:
- 299,171 kilometers of identified Roman roads
- More than 100.000 km additional with respect to previous estimates
- 14,769 sections differentiated by crossings and natural boundaries
- 103.478 km of main routes
- 195.693 km of secondary roads
- Solo 2,7% with direct archaeological evidence
- Near the 90% validated as probable layout
These figures reflect both the magnitude of the system and the complexity of reconstructing a network built almost two thousand years ago.
Why this discovery is key to the story
The researchers explained that having a more precise map of Roman roads allows us to better study how people, armies and goods moved in the ancient world. Without this information, it is difficult to analyze the real functioning of the empire.
Furthermore, the new map opens the door to research on the circulation of ideas, beliefs and historical epidemics, since Roads were a central route for cultural and biological dissemination in Antiquity.
Although the study recognizes that there are still sections without direct evidence and that the reconstruction can be improved, specialists agree that It’s itinerary represents the most complete and accurate digitization of Roman roads to date, and redefines the true scope of one of the most influential infrastructures in history.
