Free levelled English reading practice. Read for meaning first, then use the full Speed Reading tool to time yourself and track your progress.
The Roman Empire depended on movement. Soldiers, officials, messages and goods needed to travel across enormous distances, so the Romans developed an extensive road network. Major roads were carefully planned and often built in layers. Workers created a firm foundation, added stone and gravel, and shaped the surface so rainwater could drain away. Milestones showed distances, while bridges and tunnels helped routes cross difficult landscapes. Roman roads were not perfectly straight everywhere, but engineers often chose direct routes when the terrain allowed. The network helped armies move quickly, strengthened administration and supported trade between towns and provinces. Travellers still faced dangers and journeys could be slow, yet the roads connected distant parts of the empire more effectively than before. Sections of Roman roads survive today, and some modern routes follow similar paths, showing the lasting influence of Roman engineering on the European landscape.
