Checking out some of the world’s oldest roads

Roads have always played a crucial role in shaping human history - facilitating commerce, enabling cultural exchange and even influencing military strategy. While modern highways and urban road networks are marvels of engineering, the roots of road-building stretch back thousands of years – and among the earliest known examples - is the world’s oldest paved road, located in Egypt, which dates back to around 2600 BC.

This ancient road reflects humanity's early attempts to organise travel and trade, providing a fascinating glimpse into the technological and societal advancements of early civilizations. It was constructed in Egypt over 4,600 years ago during the height of the Old Kingdom. Dating to around 2600 BC, this remarkable road connected quarries in the Faiyum region to the banks of the Nile River. It was built primarily to transport massive limestone and basalt blocks used in the construction of the pyramids and other monumental structures.

The road stretches for approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) and is itself composed of carefully fitted slabs of basalt - one of the hardest natural stones available. This precision in construction demonstrates the advanced engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. This road stands as a testament to the organisational power of the Egyptian state and the sophistication of early transportation infrastructure. The ability to create such a durable, large-scale project reflects the complexity of Egyptian society and the importance of monumental architecture as a symbol of political and religious power.

Other ancient roads

While the Egyptian road holds the title of the oldest known paved road, several other ancient highways, built by different civilisations across the globe, have stood the test of time. Many of these roads reflect the engineering prowess, political influence and economic ambition of early societies. The following are some of the most famous and well-preserved ancient roads still in existence today.

The Ridgeway (England) – c. 5000 BC

The Ridgeway is often considered Britain’s oldest road, with evidence suggesting it was in use as early as 5000 BC. Running for about 87 miles (140 kilometres) along the chalk ridge of southern England, it was used by prehistoric tribes for trade and communication.

The Ridgeway served as a vital trade route for goods such as flint, salt and animal hides. Its elevated position along the ridge made it easier to defend against raiders and provided a clear view of the surrounding countryside. The Ridgeway remains a popular walking trail today, offering a direct connection to the country’s ancient past.

The Sweet Track (England) – c. 3807 BC

The Sweet Track, located in the Somerset Levels of England, is one of the earliest known wooden roads. Built around 3807 BC, it consists of wooden planks laid on a framework of pegs and crossbeams, creating a raised walkway over marshy ground.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the Sweet Track was used for both practical and ceremonial purposes. Its construction highlights the advanced carpentry and engineering skills of Neolithic societies. The remains of the Sweet Track were discovered in 1970 which had been preserved in the wetland environment.

The Via Sacra (Rome, Italy) – c. 500 BC

The Via Sacra ("Sacred Way") was the oldest and most important road in ancient Rome. Constructed in the 6th century BC, it ran through the heart of the Roman Forum and served as the main route for religious and political processions.

The Via Sacra was paved with large blocks of volcanic stone and was lined with temples and monuments. Its strategic location within the city made it a centre for public gatherings and imperial ceremonies. Parts of the Via Sacra are still visible in modern Rome, allowing visitors to walk the same path as Julius Caesar and other Roman leaders.

The Appian Way (Italy) – 312 BC

The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) is one of the most famous ancient roads in the world. It was constructed in 312 BC under the direction of Appius Claudius Caecus to connect Rome with the southern city of Capua - a distance of over 350 miles (563 km).

Built using large stone slabs and featuring an advanced drainage system, the Appian Way was a key military and trade route. Roman soldiers used it to march quickly toward strategic points, while merchants relied on it to transport goods across the empire.

Today, sections of the Appian Way remain intact, and tourists can walk along the same stones that Roman legions once travelled.

The Inca Road System (South America) – c. 15th Century AD

The Inca Road System (Qhapaq Ñan) was an extensive network of roads built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century AD. Stretching over 25,000 miles (40,000 km), it connected the Inca capital of Cusco with remote parts of the empire, including modern-day Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.

The roads were constructed using stone paving and included bridges, staircases and tunnels to navigate the rugged Andean terrain. The Inca road system facilitated the rapid movement of armies, messengers and goods, contributing to the cohesion of the vast empire. Parts of the network, including the famous trail to Machu Picchu, are still in use today.

The Persian Royal Road (Iran) – c. 5th Century BC

The Persian Royal Road was established by Darius I of the Achaemenid Empire in the 5th century BC. It stretched for over 1,500 miles (2,400 km) from Susa (in modern-day Iran) to Sardis (in modern-day Turkey).

The road was well-maintained, with rest stations and guard posts positioned at regular intervals. Couriers could travel the length of the Royal Road in just seven days - a remarkable feat at the time. This road enabled efficient communication and trade within the Persian Empire, contributing to its administrative strength.

The Silk Road (Asia) – c. 130 BC

While not a single highway, the Silk Road was a network of trade routes that connected China to Europe and the Middle East. It emerged around 130 BC during the Han Dynasty and flourished for over a millennium.

The Silk Road facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas and technologies, including silk, spices, paper and gunpowder. It played a critical role in the spread of Buddhism and Islam and shaped the development of global trade. Parts of the original Silk Road are still visible today, particularly in China and Central Asia.

How ancient roads shaped modern infrastructure

The survival of these ancient roads underscores their durability and the ingenuity of early engineers. Many of these ancient routes influenced the layout of modern cities and transportation networks. For example, parts of the Appian Way were incorporated into Italy’s modern road system and the concept of paved roads, developed by the Romans, remains the basis for modern highway construction.

The existence of these ancient roads also highlights the human desire for connection - whether for trade, communication, or exploration. From the Egyptian quarries to the Silk Road, these roads reflect the shared history of humanity’s need to connect and build.

We can see therefore, that the oldest roads in the world, from Egypt to South America, are more than just relics of the past - they are symbols of human ingenuity and resilience. They reveal how early civilisations adapted to their environments, built infrastructure to support commerce and governance and laid the groundwork for modern transportation systems. By preserving these ancient roads, we maintain a direct link to the past - a reminder of the pathways that shaped human history and connected the world.