How the Roads were Built
The Roman Roads were made in a certain way to ensure the best roads. The bottom layer was made from compacted sand or dried earth. The next layer was a layer of crushed rock, then gravel mixed with a cement mortar. Above this was a layer of finer gravel mixed with sand and more cement. On the top were placed large flat stone slabs, fitted closely together. There are kerb stones placed at either side to mark the edges of the road. Beside the road is a drainage ditch to allow rainwater to drain away from the road easily. The road was about 24 feet wide. That is wide enough for a column of soldiers to march along, with room to spare for chariots to go by. The road was built up about 5 feet above the land. This helped drainage, but also allowed soldiers on the road a good view of what was on either side, to avoid being ambushed.