Transportation and communication Roman Empire

gallo-roman relief depicting river boat transporting wine barrels, invention of gauls came widespread use during 2nd century; above, wine stored in traditional amphorae, covered in wicker

the roman empire encircled mediterranean, called our sea (mare nostrum). roman sailing vessels navigated mediterranean major rivers of empire, including guadalquivir, ebro, rhône, rhine, tiber , nile. transport water preferred possible, , moving commodities land more difficult. vehicles, wheels, , ships indicate existence of great number of skilled woodworkers.

land transport utilized advanced system of roman roads. in-kind taxes paid communities included provision of personnel, animals, or vehicles cursus publicus, state mail , transport service established augustus. relay stations located along roads every 7 twelve roman miles, , tended grow village or trading post. mansio (plural mansiones) privately run service station franchised imperial bureaucracy cursus publicus. support staff @ such facility included muleteers, secretaries, blacksmiths, cartwrights, veterinarian, , few military police , couriers. distance between mansiones determined how far wagon travel in day. mules animal used pulling carts, travelling 4 mph. example of pace of communication, took messenger minimum of 9 days travel rome mainz in province of germania superior, on matter of urgency. in addition mansiones, taverns offered accommodations food , drink; 1 recorded tab stay showed charges wine, bread, mule feed, , services of prostitute.