The Via Trajana was a road constructed at Trajan own cost between 109 and 113 AD. It replaced the usual route Via Appia between Brindisium and Beneventum. The following Sestertius commemorates that event, showing a wheel on reverse which is held by a woman reclining left and turning her head right. VIATRAIANA over SC in exergue. The coin weighs 22.93 g. RIC 636 . BMC 986 a.
The fact that it is still around today is a testament to Roman construction. The road near my house has been "repaired" multiple times in the 8 years I've lived here and it is constantly falling apart. I would never expect it to last almost 2,000 years. Great coin btw! I think Trajan always has the best busts. Via Trajana courtesy of wikipedia
I considered it interesting that the Via Traiana added about two miles to the journey but greatly reduced the time needed since it was a flatter route.
Yes comparing Roman roads to ours is indeed a sad state of affairs. Pot holes everywhere and worn out asphalt in Berkeley after a couple of decades.
Nice one 7Calbrey, I especially like the reverse clearly showing VIATRAIANA. Mine I picked up a few months ago. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Dupondius (13.32 g, 6h). Struck circa AD 112-115. Radiate bust right, wearing aegis / VIA TRAIANA, female (Via Traiana) reclining left, holding wheel on knee and branch; S C in exergue. RIC II 641 corr. var. (no aegis); BMCRE 998 note. SR 3226.
How long would these roman roads last if they had the usual traffic our roads get? I'd imagine horses and carts don't do as much damage as cars and semi-trailers.
