Appia Road in Rome: history of creation and description

This ancient Roman route is not in vain nicknamed "the queen of roads". Encircled by tombs, catacombs and temples, it was actively used in the Middle Ages. Connected the main settlements of the great empire, represented a real miracle of Appius' engineering thought in Rome.

History of the Great Way

Consul of the Roman Republic Appius Claudius went down in history precisely as the creator of the most important highway connecting the Eternal City, Capua and Benevent. Soon the route was brought to the seaport of Brundisium (Brindisi). True, some researchers believe that the track was already laid, and the politician only ordered a high-quality pavement. Responsible for the construction of patricians controlled the process, and as a result Appiaeva appeared in Rome (Italy), able to withstand all the stresses.

The commander was criticized for spending almost the entire state budget, but over time the economic feasibility of the route was confirmed. The opponents of Claudius reproached him for using such an expensive project only for his glorification, and they were right, since the first thing that comes to mind when mentioning Appiah's name is the same-named road stretching for 570 kilometers. And this is despite the fact that the politician has made a huge contribution to the development of jurisprudence and even literature.

The construction of the famous landmark, the process of construction of which took place in several stages, began in 312 BC, and ended in two centuries. The Romans set up mile poles with indications of useful information for the travelers, and two magnificent marble columns, marking the end of the road, and one of them can now be seen in the very place where it was erected. The second was donated to Lecce - the center of the province of the same name in Italy. After getting rid of the last plague epidemic in the city's history, residents erected an antique column on the main square.

The causes of the appearance of Via Appia Antica

Historians believe that the main reason for the construction of a wide highway, paved with huge boulders, was military necessity: Roman legionaries marched on it, and they went to war with the Samnites. In addition, she connected the capital with the most remote regions of the state, so that the authorities could control them.

Over time, the Appian Way in Rome, glorified in literary works and imprinted on picturesque canvases, has acquired a huge economic significance: its creation has improved the trade ties between East and Rome. And in the Middle Ages the highway turned into a sacred way for pilgrims. Soon along the trail of war and trade artery began to build luxurious palaces and tombs of noble townspeople. A significant part of the structures after the collapse of the Roman Empire was dismantled, and in the 18th century a new route with the same name appeared, the path of which runs from the capital of the state to the Albanian lake. Therefore the official name of the ancient highway is the Old Appian Way in Rome.

Strict control and skill of workers

The track with a multilayered coating consisting of stones about a meter in thickness was perfectly preserved, despite a very solid age, and even now some of its plots are suitable for operation. One can note the special skill of the builders who polished to a shine and carefully adjusted the basalt plates to each other, between which there was not a single gap.

There is an ancient legend according to which Appius Claudius, who controlled the process, inserted a thin blade of a dagger between the cobbles to check the quality of the masonry. As soon as he could do it, the workers bridged the road again. Thanks to this, it turned out to be very even, which made it convenient for both foot travelers and chariots drawn by horses. The builders leveled the surface, and the stones were laid on pre-laid layers of sand and pebbles.

Curiously, the middle part of the track was elevated, and even after heavy rains the water drained to the side, where workers dug ditches to divert it, and Appieva's road in Rome was always dry. Its width, which is about four meters, made it possible for the chariots to disperse freely.

Archaeological Park

Today, the road, whose uniqueness lies in its longevity, has the status of a state, and on its territory there is an archaeological park that was formed in the XIX century. On the road, areas of which are flooded with modern asphalt, you can consider the corners with a well-preserved antique covering, where traces of ancient wagons are left. And the canvas, unsuitable for exploitation, is destroyed not by time, but by the owners of the lands located near the road. After the Roman Empire fell into decay, stone slabs were uprooted and used to build houses.

The road where the atmosphere of the Eternal City is felt

Appia Road in Rome, whose history began before our era, is not only a promenade, but also a sporting track: in 1960 Olympians competed here, and now various events are held. On weekends and holidays it is closed for vehicles. A huge number of sightseeing programs provides an excellent opportunity for tourists to get acquainted with the ancient road and unique facilities built along it all the way from the capital of Italy to Brindisi. It is worth to come here in order to fully experience the atmosphere of the Eternal City.

Prestigious location along the road

The well-designed Appian Way in Rome, the route which began from the Kapenskie Gate, completely destroyed at the present time, has become a favorite place for burial of rich townspeople. The fact is that on the city territory in the heyday of the great empire it was forbidden to bury the deceased. And right after the appearance of Regina Viarum, which is translated from Italian as "queen of roads", not only funerary constructions began to be built on the adjoining plots, but also luxury villas, since these places were considered very prestigious. The Roman nobility built huge family crypts, in which buried their loved ones, columbariums, memorable steleys.

With the spread of Christianity along the route, the graves of those who adopted the new religion began to appear. They were buried in the catacombs - underground cemeteries with a whole network of crossings and galleries. Over time, many monuments were destroyed, and they were dismantled for construction materials. Most of the ancient and medieval buildings that reached the descendants, recalls the former greatness of Ancient Rome and its rich history.

What to see?

The most curious structure is the stone mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, more like a fortress in shape. From the tomb, which eventually turned into a military fortification, the remains of the daughter of a great politician were moved to another place.

The Appian Way in Rome is a famous pilgrimage route, where a small temple Domine Quo Vadis, rebuilt in the XVII century, appeared. It was erected in the place where Jesus and St. Peter met. In the legendary church is stored a relic - a copy of a stone slab with prints of the footprints of Christ. On it the wish of a kind road to the pilgrims who came here to pray and ask for a safe return home is stamped out.

Instead of the huge estate of Quintilia, now you can see only picturesque ruins. Once the Roman ruler treacherously captured a luxurious villa, killing its owners. So fate that the emperor found her in her death - he died in the residence during the conspiracy.

The Scipio tomb, in which the members of a well-known aristocratic family are buried, was all forgotten, and only in the 18th century archaeologists got to it, and the discovered artifacts are in the Vatican Museum.

Villa Maxentius is the former residence of the cruel emperor. Now from it there were ruins from a red brick, and several centuries ago it was a grandiose architectural complex consisting of a magnificent palace, a mausoleum and a circus. After the death of the ruler, the monument was destroyed, and only 50 years ago local authorities thought about its reconstruction.

Underground cemeteries

For many kilometers along the route stretched the catacombs of San Callisto, which can be visited on all days, except Wednesday. In the "city of the dead" with narrow stone corridors and walled-in niches you can learn about the pagan and Christian culture of underground burials. This is a rather gloomy place, where it is always cold and eternal darkness reigns.

Nearby are the catacombs of San Sebastian, and an ancient legend says that they kept the relics of St. Peter and Paul. You can get into a small underground cemetery only with the help of a guide, as it is easy to get lost in dark labyrinths.

Appia road in Rome: how can I get there?

In order to reach the popular tourist attraction by yourself, you need to take a seat on the Venice Square (piazza Venezia), located opposite the Capitol Hill, to the city bus number 118. It is necessary to leave at the Appia Antica stop - Domine Quo Vadi, and the views of Appian Road in Rome.

How to get to it on weekends? On Saturday and Sunday, when public transport is closed, special tourist bus number 110, which departs from the metro station Termini, will take you to the local sights.

Travel Tips

As tourists say, traveling on the highway during working days is not very convenient, and it takes quite a long time to reach the main historical monuments. Sidewalks are not laid along the multi-kilometer path, and you constantly have to cuddle to the side of the road, letting the cars flying ahead. Therefore, it is best to come here on weekends to enjoy walking, silence and a special atmosphere of a historic place.