New map challenges Roman Empire road network beliefs

Researchers created a detailed map of the Roman Empire’s roads and found the network was not as directly centered on Rome as previously believed. The team examined routes across the empire, including areas in modern-day Turkey, and discovered the roads did not uniformly converge on the city. This challenges the long-held idea that all roads led directly to Rome.

The study suggests a more complex system of regional connections existed within the empire.

Scientists now believe Rome’s role as the central hub of the road network needs re-evaluation.