VIA APPIA EOSE 363 



Typical traffic. — The chariot (currus) [16] was probably the 

 vehicle most commonly used by the ancient Romans. Although it 

 found its greatest usefulness as an instrument of war, the lightness 

 of its construction made it suitable for all kinds of rapid transporta- 

 tion. It had two wheels, was built to hold two people, and was drawn 

 by two or more horses. There were many different types of Roman 

 vehicles such as the luxurious litter {lectica) [17], the humble rheda 

 [18], a family or stage coach, and the still more humble farm cart or 

 plaustrum [19]. The lectica was carried by slaves with the aid of 

 poles, run through rings attached to the body of the litter, or fastened 

 by cords or thongs. The litter bearers (lecticarii) were usually 

 Syrian or Cappadocian slaves, often dressed in bright red cloaks 

 made of fine wool from Canusium. For this reason they were also 

 called canusinati. In and near the cities slaves preceded the lectica 

 to clear the way with the words " Give place to my lord." These 

 harbingers were called anteambulones. 



The carpentum [20] was a covered two-wheeled carriage used for 

 general travel and by women upon state occasions. 



The pack animal {clitellarius) [21] carrying a small amount of 

 baggage in panniers, supported by a pack saddle, illustrates the poor 

 man's method of traveling. 



The Roman infantry {I egionarii) on the march [22] were per- 

 mitted to walk in the central roadway or on the side roads, and the 

 side curb provided an elevated walk for the commanding officer 

 (centurio) [31]. 



Near the cities and towns the usual pedestrians were encountered 

 [23-a and b] and the curb was the favorite resting place for the 

 beggar (aeruscator) [24]. 



Milestones. — The Romans placed milestones {inillmriuin) [26], 

 1,000 Roman paces apart (4,859 English feet), along their principal 

 highways. In the vicinity of Rome these milestones, according to 

 Bergier (-7^), represented the distances not from the city gates, but 

 from the golden milestone {milliarium aureum) erected by Augustus, 

 in the Roman Forum, to mark the origin of all the great military 

 roads. Beyond 100 miles from Rome, and in the provinces, the mile- 

 stones showed the distances to the nearest principal town. 



Monuments. — Outside of Rome and the large cities, the roads were 

 bordered with temples and statues, dedicated to various gods, and 

 with monuments, tombs, and mausoleums. The latter, no doubt, 

 were relegated beyond the walls of the city for reasons of sanitation. 

 At [27] may be seen a sarcophagus, the tomb of a prominent Roman 

 citizen. A cenotaphium., or monument erected in memory of a cele- 

 brated Roman, is shown at [28]. 



