Roman roads of Varna

The methods of transportation to get from point A to point B are often overlooked in today’s society. One may simply summon a cab, drive a car, ride a train, or board an aircraft, among other options. Nevertheless, before the 19th century, the majority of these supplementary methods were inaccessible, particularly to the average individual of that era. Travelling from one area to another was always a tiring and arduous task on foot. To simplify this process, the Romans started constructing an impressive network of straight roads, many of which are still in use today. These works were an exemplary display of engineering and strategic design, spanning the whole expanse of the Roman Empire in Europe. They facilitated the swift and efficient movement of troops from one location to another, since the need to navigate through pastures and wetlands was significantly minimised.

In Varna, the remains of the Roman city roads are still visible, as many of them are only covered with a thin layer of tarmac.

How to build a Roman road

Once the civil engineer assessed the location of the planned road and identified its approximate route, the surveyors began their task of measuring and mapping the road’s foundation. The ancient Romans utilised two primary instruments, namely the rod and a tool known as a ‘gromae’, to facilitate the acquisition of correct angles. The ‘gromatici’, who were the Roman version of rod men, would position rods and establish a line known as the rigor. In the absence of a transit, the civil engineering surveyor attempted to attain straightness by visually inspecting the rods and instructing the ‘gromatici’ to adjust their positions accordingly. They utilised the ‘gromae’ to subsequently establish a grid pattern based on the layout of the route. In cases when the surveyor’s planned endpoint was not visible, it was common practice to ignite a signal fire at the endpoint to provide guidance for the surveyor.

The ‘libratores’ started their task by employing ploughs and, occasionally with the assistance of legionaries, utilized spades to dig out the roadbed until reaching bedrock or, at the at least, the most stable terrain available. The excavation was named “fossa,” derived from the Latin term for a trench or ditch.

The approach differed based on geographical location, available resources, and topography, but the objective that the engineer consistently pursued was always the same. The roadbed was layered, and the road was built by filling the trench. This was accomplished by superimposing layers of rock on top of other stones. A substantial quantity of debris, gravel, and stone was deposited into the trench, utilising whatever available material for filling. Occasionally, a layer of sand was applied, if it was obtainable. As it approached the surface, it was covered with gravel and packed down, a technique known as ‘pavire‘ or ‘pavimentare’.

The next video throughs some doubt on the convential thoughts on how they were made.

• Wiki Roman Roads
• Wiki The ‘Groma

• Wiki Roman Roads
• Wiki The ‘Groma
• Paul Whitewick – Video on Roman Roads