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Politics

Journeys in Europe: Germany - Roman Roads

September 5, 2012

The Roman Empire created a network of roads in Europe that is thousands of kilometers long. The thoroughfares revolutionized life on the continent and Britain, but most have now been forgotten.

https://p.dw.com/p/16485

Unlike the forest paths of the Germanic and Celtic tribes, Roman roads were often paved and strategically routed between major trade or military centers. They enabled the Romans to move goods and troops through central Europe faster than anyone ever had before. Not much remains of the ancient Roman network, but cycling trails like the Via Julia connecting Augsburg and Salzburg commemorate some of the key routes of old. Gilded armor, idols and other artifacts of ancient life are collected in museums along the way. The Roman roads are a glimpse of ancient Europe.