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Via Appia Antica

The Queen of Roads

By Tineke Ziemer

September 15^th, 2014

Via Appia Antica is an ancient Roman Road, built in 312 BC, and lined with many areas of historical significance including the Christian catacombs and many tombs of prestigious figures. It is notoriously remembered as the site of 6000 crucifixions in 73 BC, when the Roman Army defeated the slave revolt, crucified the insurgent slaves and lined the Appian Way with their bodies for 130 miles.

It is remarkable that this road still exists over two thousand years later, although admittedly, the large cobblestone sections make for quite a bumpy bike ride. These days, you can follow the Appian Way for hours, enjoying the beautiful countryside, quaint trattorias, and stunning villas, knowing that you are walking on the very same stones as Julius Caesar once did.