During the work, results from archaeological excavations, medieval maps, historical documents, and satellite images were combined. Each road was meticulously digitized, including indications of surface type, construction date, and the reliability level of sources. This significantly expanded the road map in countries such as Spain, Egypt, and Greece, where many previously unknown routes were discovered.
However, the authors emphasize that only 2.7% of the entire road network is confirmed with a high degree of accuracy. The remaining 90% of routes were reconstructed based on indirect data, landscape analysis, and archaeological analogies. To visualize the level of uncertainty, the team developed special "trust maps".
This new dataset changes the understanding of mobility, trade, and administration in the Roman Empire. It allows for modeling the movement of goods such as ceramics, wine, and olive oil, as well as identifying key routes that facilitated economic connections. Additionally, researchers can calculate the time required for delivering orders, correspondence, and the movement of legions between provinces.
An important aspect of the project has been the study of epidemic spread. Scientists will be able to model how diseases such as the Plague of Cyprian spread along trade routes and determine which cities were most vulnerable due to their location at crossroads.
Itiner-e is implemented in the format of an open online platform itiner-e.org, where researchers can add new data and clarifications to the map. In the future, there are plans for in-depth studies of less explored regions, such as the Upper Danube, Tuscany, and the western Balkans, to fill gaps in knowledge about Roman transport infrastructure.
