   |
|
Handout #10 |
|
Communications in the Roman empire |
|
The network of roads Almost all the network of roads in Italy dates from the time of the republic. The present railway network largely reflects it. Usually the roads bore the name of the magistrate who created them. The emperors were mainly responsible for developing the network of roads in the provinces. Some of the best known roads are: From Rome to Brindisi: the Via Appia; From Rome to Genoa: the Via A urelia; From Italy to Spain via Narbonian Gaul: the Via Domitia; From Durazzo to Byzantium: the, Via Egnatia. The weight of carriages was limited by the inadequacy of harnesses. No vehicle was more than 500 kg. Vehicles transporting goods covered about eighteen miles a day. Private postal services did not cover more than thirty-six miles a day. The imperial post managed ninety miles a day, but only by traveling round the clock. So news moved slowly. Sea voyages Sea voyages were often preferred to land routes. Even quite insignificant ships could carry several hundred tons. Some vessels transporting grain could carry more than a thousand tons. As to passengers, we know that Paul's ship was carrying 276 passengers (Acts 27-37), and that of Josephus 600 (Vita, 15). However, sailing was at a standstill between November and March. Seafarers were at the mercy of storms, prolonged calms, and pirates. So the duration of voyages varied considerably. We know the record times: Nine days from Pozzuoli (near Naples) to Alexandria; Six days from Sicily to Alexandria; Seven days from Cadiz to Ostia; Two days from Africa to Ostia; Three days from the Narbormaise to Ostia. However, most of the time voyages were much longer. Sometimes it was necessary to winter for long months before continuing the voyage (cf. Paul's voyage). While navigation on the Mediterranean was the most important ships also sailed on the Red Sea in the direction of India. The sailors used the monsoons. They could travel out and return between July and February. |
