Appian Way and the ruins of the Claudian
Aqueduct. The Appian Way was a military road, built as far as possible
in a straight line, cutting through hills and bridging ravines. It was
constructed somewhat like our macadam roads, with a pavement of hard
stone resting on several layers of smaller stones set in cement. The
Claudian aqueduct was one of several conduits which carried water from
mountain springs to Rome. Built between A.D. 38 and A.D. 52, it was a
wonderful piece of engineering, the water being carried for miles in a
cement-lined channel at the top of great arches of stone masonry, some
of which are still standing. Click
here to enlarge.