Description of the Appian Way
The Appian Way (or Via Appia Antica) is one of the first and most famous roads in Rome's history. The Appian Way was built in 312 B.C. by Appius Claudius Caecus. Appius was a Roman statesman, legal expert, and an author of early Roman history. He was very famous for implementing different ideas and construction into Rome. He helped to build the Aqua Appia, which was Rome's first aqueduct, and he also built the Appian Way, which he named after himself. The Appian Way was started in 312 B.C. At first, it ran only 132 miles, from Rome to ancient Capua, but by 244 B.C. it had been extended 230 more miles southeastern into the port of Brundisium. In Ancient Roman times the Appian Way was also referred to as the "longarum regina viarum" which translates to "queen of highways."
The road started as a level dirt surface in which mortar and small stones were laid. Gravel was placed on top of that layer, and the gravel was topped with interlocking stones that provided a flat surface for those traveling along it. There were drainage ditches dug on each side of the road. Historians say that the stones in the Appian Way were placed and fit so well together that it was nearly impossible to stick a knife between them.
It was forbidden to bury dead in the city, so many people were buried along the roads that led out of Rome. People built tombs for themselves or their families. These tombs were sometimes as big as a house. There were many of these tombs hilt along the Appian Way and many of the tombs can be seen today. One of the most famous tombs along the Appian Way is the tomb of Cecelia Metella, who was the wife of one of Julius Caesar's generals. The reason that Cecelia Metella's tomb is one of the most famous along the Appian Way is because it has survived since it was built and it is in very good condition. There are many other important tombs lining the road. The tomb of Romulus (Roman Emperor) the tomb of Seneca (Roman philosopher) and Gallienus (Roman Emperor). There are monuments that line the Appian Way such as the Temple of Hercules and the church Quo Vadis. The church Quo Vadis is said to be where Saint Peter is said to have seen and met met Christ. Other monuments that are along the Appian Way are - the Circus Maxentius, which is a large arena where chariot races were held. Right next to the circus is a palace that was built by Emperor Maxentius.
The Appian Way was written about in many books and articles that were made at the time. One of Rome's earliest and best historians and writers was a man named Livy. Livy wrote books about the early history of Rome and the early Roman Empire. This is an excerpt from Livy's "The History of Rome" where Livy writes briefly about Appius Claudius and how he built the Appian Way.
" Noteworthy, too, in that year was the censorship of Appius Claudius and Gaius Plautius; but the name of Appius was of happier memory with succeeding generations, because he built a road, and conveyed a stream of water into the City"
The road started as a level dirt surface in which mortar and small stones were laid. Gravel was placed on top of that layer, and the gravel was topped with interlocking stones that provided a flat surface for those traveling along it. There were drainage ditches dug on each side of the road. Historians say that the stones in the Appian Way were placed and fit so well together that it was nearly impossible to stick a knife between them.
It was forbidden to bury dead in the city, so many people were buried along the roads that led out of Rome. People built tombs for themselves or their families. These tombs were sometimes as big as a house. There were many of these tombs hilt along the Appian Way and many of the tombs can be seen today. One of the most famous tombs along the Appian Way is the tomb of Cecelia Metella, who was the wife of one of Julius Caesar's generals. The reason that Cecelia Metella's tomb is one of the most famous along the Appian Way is because it has survived since it was built and it is in very good condition. There are many other important tombs lining the road. The tomb of Romulus (Roman Emperor) the tomb of Seneca (Roman philosopher) and Gallienus (Roman Emperor). There are monuments that line the Appian Way such as the Temple of Hercules and the church Quo Vadis. The church Quo Vadis is said to be where Saint Peter is said to have seen and met met Christ. Other monuments that are along the Appian Way are - the Circus Maxentius, which is a large arena where chariot races were held. Right next to the circus is a palace that was built by Emperor Maxentius.
The Appian Way was written about in many books and articles that were made at the time. One of Rome's earliest and best historians and writers was a man named Livy. Livy wrote books about the early history of Rome and the early Roman Empire. This is an excerpt from Livy's "The History of Rome" where Livy writes briefly about Appius Claudius and how he built the Appian Way.
" Noteworthy, too, in that year was the censorship of Appius Claudius and Gaius Plautius; but the name of Appius was of happier memory with succeeding generations, because he built a road, and conveyed a stream of water into the City"