The Appian way is the oldest and most famous road built by the ancient Romans. It was built in 312
BC by the Roman censor Appius Claudius Caecus. The road went south from the Servian Wall in Rome to
Capua. It passed through Appii Forum and Terracina, and later on was extnede so that it reached
Brundisium, now called Brindisi. The main route to Greece, the Appian Way was more than 560 km (more
than 350 mi) long. The road was well constucted, although the present pavement of large hexagonal block
made from lave, laid on a firm foundation and strengthened by cement, is probable not the original bed.
From Rome to Terracina the course is nearly straight, despite the steep slopes of the Alban Hills and the
swamps of the Pontine Marshes. Near Rome the road was lined with tombs, of which the ruins of many can
still be seen. Parts of the road are still in use. The road is also famous because after the revolt of Spartacus
and the other slaves, they were all crucified along this road.
This road, as well as most other Roman roads was based on a compact earth footing with a small layer
of stones in mortar above it. Above the mortar was a hard filling, probably gravel, and then a slab surface
was laid out on top. At the sides of the road there were retaining walls, and a ditch on each side.
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