Vorpal wrote: ↑7 Mar 2024, 8:26am
I assure you that a huge amount of engineering went into the Roman Road, or it wouldn't have survived to be tarmacked.
They either dug out or compacted the surface, then built foundations. They also used a multi-layer technique, not so different from what is done today, but the layers were thicker and more durable. They cambered the surfaces for drainage, and where necessary, facilitated drainage in other ways. In many way, the engineering, even for a simple straight surface was more than that done today. First because they did it without access to even Victorian technology, and second because it had to be built with human & animal power.
Sorry, am aware of the incredible construction skills of the Romans
. Merely referring to the lack of engineering structures in the route (Nb. There is a 13th, 15th, 18th & 18th century bridge over several miles, but only one would be used to cross a major river)