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How old are the streets of Rome?

The Roman streets have changed a lot from when they were first placed about 2000 years ago. In several attempts to adapt to increasing populations and heavier vehicles, some issues have been resolved but many others have arisen.



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Cobblestones as a road surface in Rome can be dated back to the 1700s. In the mid-1700s, Pope Clement VIII Corsini started having the streets of Rome be paved with cobblestones, or as they are known locally, “sampietrini” which means “little stones of St. Peters” (Rome, 2014).

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Appian Way, Latin Via Appia, the first and most famous of the ancient Roman roads, running from Rome to Campania and southern Italy. The Appian Way was begun in 312 bce by the censor Appius Claudius Caecus.

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Only a small amount of ancient Rome is left today - experts say around 10%. Much of it was destroyed over time, and much of what remains is in ruins. The remaining 90% is said to be buried deep inside the earth, around 30 feet below the street level today.

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Rome is not the oldest city in Europe. It was only founded c. 753 BC. The oldest city is Knossos.

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The Lake Moeris Quarry Road is recognized as the oldest surviving paved road in the world. Dating from the Old Kingdom period in Egypt, it transported basalt blocks from the quarry to a quay on the shores of ancient Lake Moeris.

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