Routledge - Traffic and Congestion in the Roman Empire Book

Explore the hidden side of antiquity with this groundbreaking study from Routledge. Traffic and Congestion in the Roman Empire represents the first book to ever examine the movement of people and goods across the ancient Roman world. This well-illustrated volume provides a deep look into the construction of Roman roads and the diverse groups that used them, including civilians, wagons, animals, and the army. Author Cornelis van Tilburg examines how the cursus publicus and commercial interests shaped the landscape. You will learn how town planning evolved, from the narrow paths of older cities to the wider, chessboard-patterned streets built to handle heavy traffic. The text also covers how city gates and toll points were used as measures to manage and hamper traffic flow. This book is an essential resource for students and readers interested in ancient history, urban planning, and the daily logistics of the Roman Empire. Whether you are studying Roman civilization or the history of transportation, this volume offers unique insights into how one of history's greatest empires managed its movement and infrastructure.