Ancient Rome's version of Google Maps: how long to reach the beach
9 hours ago
- A new digital tool called OmnesViae allows users to explore the Roman Empire's road network and estimate travel times between ancient cities on foot or horseback, based on historical data like the Tabula Peutingeriana and Antonine Itinerary.
- The tool calculates the fastest route using ancient distances, highlights it on a modern map, and provides details on intermediate stops, many of which still exist under different names today.
- For example, a route from Madrid (Miaccum) to Milan (Mediolanvm) covers 1,500 Roman miles and takes 43 days by ancient reckoning, compared to 14 days on foot or 16 hours by car today.
- Developed by René Voorburg, OmnesViae uses open access code and data, and has been updated with AI support for translations and illustrations, while other similar projects focus on seasonal travel costs or precise road layouts.