is it true that all roads in italy lead to Rome or is it merely a saying ?

Answer 1

Today it is merely a proverb (one of the most overused in Rome see others below). However, historically the Romans built the first major road systems so that the armies and messengers, etc. could get from the capital to the other cities. They were also all marked in miles (1000 steps of a Roman legionaire "mile" (me-lay) in Italian means 1000). They were in fact all measured from the center of the capitoline hill. Some of the Roman markers are visible in parts of England on old Roman roads.

Other overused Roman cliches
- When in Rome, do as the Romans do
- Rome wasn't built in a day
- All roads lead to Rome
- A funny thing happened on the way to the forum

Answer 2

In the old days the Romans were the first to come up with a road system, there are still old roman roads to be found or what is left from them in Europe and indeed all those roads let to Rome!

Answer 3

The Roman roads were essential for the growth of their empire, by enabling them to move armies. A proverb says that "all roads lead to Rome." Roman roads were designed that way to hinder provinces organising resistance against the Empire. At its peak, the Roman road system spanned 53,000 miles and contained about 372 links.

Read More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_road

Answer 4

The ancient Roman invented what is our modern highway system. Roads enabled them to conquer much of Europe as well excel at trading, commerce and migrations of the population all over Europe and Asia Minor. Sometimes I think Rome "conquered" more through assimilation and trade than they did militarily.

Answer 5

I believe it started during the time of the Roman Empire - all roads did symbolically lead there because they were the most powerful and influential presence in the world.

Answer 6

It's true.... look at a map !!!!