Roman Roads

Roman Roads

• Our presentation is on the Roman Roads.

• We will explain the methods use to build the roads and for what purpose.

Agenda

• Identify the need for roads

• Explain the methods that were adopted by the Romans in constructing roads

• Identify the materials used in the construction of the major Roman highways

• Comparison of Roman road system versus our own road system

Problem

• The problem for the Romans was as moving equipment such as catapults faster from point A to point B.

• The need for better defense, along with a desire for expansion .

• These roads allowed a faster and easier movement of goods and traders, as well as the rapid transfer of troops.

Design

• In Rocky stable areas only one layer

of cobble stone was used

• In soft unstable areas a fosa was made

and filled with gravel, cobble stone and

rubble held together by sandy soil or lime mortar

• Pavement thickness ranged from 25cm to 150 cm depending on the area

• Grade of pavement: 1-2 % on flat ground 16-18% on mountain

• The pavement had a convex dropped from 5% to 10% for drainage purposes

• Large rocks were placed to prevent lateral spreading

• Large rocks placed in the middle to separate opposing traffic

• A road in Ribchester, England this road branches of the “Course of Roman Road”

• Is a road from past Roman origin that has been updated to be used effectively used by motor vehicles

• Has a smooth surface to facilitate ease of access

Materials

• Cobble stone

• Gravel

• Rubble

• Large local stones

• Sandy clay

• Flint stones

• Chalk

Method of construction

• A hole was dug in order to fill it in with 4 to 5 more layers, depending on the soil, to strengthen the structure

• The roads were slanted up to 10% to facilitate water draining; therefore, avoiding damage to the roads

• Use of a drainage system

called a fossa

• Built a meter or more elevated

from ground level to eliminate

water gathering and to have a

better view of the surroundings

• Device used to measured distance of the road

Comparison and evolution

• A Roman road maintained for their historical value and engineering significance

• Its rough surface proves ineffective for travel in modern vehicles

• A road in Ribchester, England this road branches of the “Course of Roman Road”

• Is a road from past Roman origin that has been updated to be used effectively used by motor vehicles

• Has a smooth surface to facilitate ease of access

Conclusions

• The network of Roman roads still relevant, because wherever the Romans built roads, today there are roads and railways, when not on the old Roman road, it is certain that parallel and within walking distance.

• In desert areas, such as Syria, Libya, etc., The Romans not only made of basalt slabs roads, but also left the desert roads expedited to facilitate the passage of caravans of camels, clearing trails and primitive roads, leaving some dirt tracks with little stones or obstacles.

• The creation of roads brought about the proliferation of a phenomenon that increasing during the empire, especially after his disappearance: the bandits and robbers on the way, who saw in these pathways loot a place to find insurance.

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