Published in Nature Communications, the study ‘Network science reveals the structure and lasting impact of the Roman road system’ used network science to test long-held assumptions about Roman roads, ...
... examples of straight Roman roads such as the Appian Way in Rome — the Romans had to contend with terrain and technical limitations ... And not all “Roman roads” are actually Roman, according to Brughmans.
A new analysis has tested familiar claims about Roman roads against a digital reconstruction covering 299,171 kilometres, or about 186,000 miles ... The study’s measurements support part of the reputation for straight Roman roads.
Detailed data on the RomanEmpire’s entire road network is offering fresh insight into how Romans built their infrastructure and how it influenced the future geography of Europe... .