The Appian Way, the first Roman highway dating back over 2,300 years, begins at the Circus Maximus in Rome. The road was named after censor Appius Claudius Caecus who planned the first 132 miles of the road leading from Rome to Capua during the Second Samnite War, with the purpose of allowing Rome to move its soldiers more easily. By 191 BC, the road extended all the way to Brindisi on the southeast coast of Italy.
The historic starting point of the Appian Way is the Circus Maximus, an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium that predates the Republic of Rome and is said to have held up to 150,000 spectators. Today, the road starts a little over a mile from the stadium.
Visitors can explore the first five miles of the road on rented e-bikes, which can be challenging due to narrow streets and heavy traffic. The road is lined with landmarks such as the Arch of Drusus and the Tomb of Geta.
Early Christians buried their dead underground in catacombs, and millions of them are buried in miles of catacombs in S. Calisto, one of the biggest religious sites along the road.
The YouTube video titled "Exploring The Appian Way - Ancient Rome's First Highway" features a historical tour of the Appian Way. The vlogger explore the significance of historical landmarks such as the Tomb of Geta, The Church of Dominikadus, and the Villa of Maxentius. He also take a detour to discuss the Villas of Quint Tilli and the unfortunate fate of the Quint brothers. The tour concludes at the Flint Tower, and effortlessly shows you the beauty while experiencing the historical background of the Appian Way. Enjoy!
