Traffic and Congestion in the Roman Empire

by Cornelis van Tilburg

Overview

The first book to ever examine ancient Roman traffic, this well-illustrated volume looks in detail at the construction of Roman road, and studies the myriad of road users of the Roman Empire: civilians, wagons and animals, the cursus publicus, commercial use and the army. Through this examination, Cornelis van Tilburg reveals much of town planning in ancient cities: the narrow paths of older cities, and the wider, chessboard-patterned streets designed to sustain heavy traffic. He discusses toll points and city gates as measures taken to hamper traffic, and concludes with a discussion as to why the local governments' attempts to regulate the traffic flow missed their targets of improving the infrastructure. This book will interest any student, scholar or enthusiast in Roman history and culture.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415512619
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/22/2012
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Part 1: Roads Development of the Roman Road System. Attachment: The Glory of the Roman Road-System. Construction and Width of Roman Roads. Principals and Road Authorities. Conclusion Part 2: Road-Users Passenger Traffic. Postal Service and Cursus Publicus. Army and Road Security. Goods Transport. Special Transport. Conclusion Part 3: Traffic Congestion Toll Points. City Gates. The Situation and Building of City Gates. The Functioning of City Gates. Crowds in the City. Conclusion Part 4: Traffic Policy Legislation. Traffic Circulation. Missed Chances and Political Lack of Interest. Conclusion