Why did Roman roads last so long?


Why did Roman roads last so long? Roman roads contained several layers which made the road extremely durable. They didn't have to be upgraded and repaved each year. But given that they were made of stone, your car's suspension might not be the biggest fan of travel if the same method was used today.


What is the oldest Roman road?

The first of the great Roman roads, the Via Appia (Appian Way), begun by the censor Appius Claudius Caecus in 312 bce, originally ran southeast from Rome 162 miles (261 km) to Tarentum (now Taranto) and was later extended to the Adriatic coast at Brundisium (now Brindisi).