Roman roads (from
Latin:
viae; singular:
via meaning
way) were physical infrastructure vital to the maintenance and development of the Roman state, and were built from about 500 BC through the expansion and consolidation of the
Roman Republic and the
Roman Empire. They provided efficient means for the overland movement of
armies, officials, and civilians, and the inland carriage of official communications and
trade goods. Roman
roads were of several kinds, ranging from small local roads to broad, long-distance highways built to connect cities, major towns and military bases. These major roads were often stone-paved and metaled, cambered for drainage, and were flanked by footpaths,
bridleways and drainage ditches. They were laid along accurately surveyed courses, and some were cut through hills, or conducted over rivers and ravines on bridgework. Sections could be supported over marshy ground on rafted or piled foundations.