Appian Way

Appian Way, ancient Roman road in Italy. The earliest and most celebrated highway of the Roman Republic, it was built in 312 bc by the Roman censor Appius Claudius Caecus, after whom it was named. It led southward from the Servian Wall in Rome to Capua, passing through Appii Forum and Terracina, and was later extended to Taranto and Brundisium (now Brindisi). The main route to Greece, the Appian Way was more than 560 km (350 mi) long. It was well constructed, and marked with milestones. Surviving sections of the pavement are made of large hexagonal blocks, principally lava, laid on a firm foundation and strengthened by cement; they are probably not the original bed, however. From Rome to Terracina the course is nearly straight, despite the steep grades of the Alban Hills and the swamps of the Pontine Marshes. The first kilometres from Rome still preserve many of the ancient tombs which lined the road, parts of which are still in use.