Introduction to the Roman Empire
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. The Roman Empire, the most impressive in human history, has always fascinated people, especially men, due to its size and architectural and infrastructural advances.
Exploring the Roman Roads
A team of international researchers has developed a visualization tool called Itiner-e, which allows users to virtually see a map showing how ancient Roman roads in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa were once traveled. This interactive map was created based on 200 years of research into Roman roads and is often referred to as the “Google Maps for Roman roads.”
Understanding the Itiner-e Tool
The tool is a growing resource for the community to continually add information and ensure that it remains the best representation of our knowledge of where all the roads were in the Roman Empire. The researchers hope that this interactive digital map, spanning 300,000 kilometers of the Roman Empire’s vast transportation system, will give people a better understanding of how people, ideas, and infectious diseases spread 2,000 years ago.
Features of the Itiner-e Map
The map allows users to witness the Romans transporting everything from food, wine, people, and military equipment in horse-drawn chariots and wooden carriages. By pressing play on the digital map, users are instantly transported back in time to 2,000 years ago. The researchers also hope to give users an understanding of how people, ideas, and infectious diseases spread back then.
Limitations of the Map
It is essential to note that 90% of the map is not entirely accurate, and 7% are hypothetical streets. This could be due to the availability of data and the difficulty in recognizing some types of Roman roads. Despite these limitations, the map brings together a wide range of research results to provide a larger and more comprehensive picture of the Roman road network than previously available.
