Rome is a rich pilgrim destination in its own right, but like the ancient Romans, it offers opportunities for exploration beyond.
Draining the mosquito infested marshes of the Pontine Plain to the south of Rome made it possible not only for the Romans to exploit the rich soils for agriculture, but to build a level, straight road south into new lands for conquest.
Begun in 326 B.C., the Via Appia was to become the Reina Viarum, the Queen of Roads. The Via Appia became Rome's major artery for moving armies, goods, ideas, and people in its its imperial expansion. The flow moved in both directions for Roman conquest and (at times) defeat.
After the conquest of southern Italy, the Via Appia reached Brindisi, which became the base of the conquest of the East and the foundation that made the Roman Empire possible.
Today the routes of Southern Italy offer opportunities for walking, pilgrimage and reflection.
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