Changes

By the time the Appian Way was completed in the early third century BC, it stretched from Rome in the north to Brundisium in the far south of Italy in the heel of the country. The Emperor Trajan (ruled AD 53-117) later added an alternative route that diverged from the original road in Beneventum, passing through south-central Italy before reconnecting with the Appian Way in Brundisium. In total, the road stretched about 350 miles and for most of Roman history was well maintained. Engineers made sure that damaged sections were repaired and a number of way stations and inns could be found every few miles for weary travelers. <ref> Hamblin and Grunsfeld, p. 55</ref> The Appian Way was perhaps the best known and most traveled of all the Roman Vias, but it not only helped facilitate trade and political machinations – several great armies marched on its cement surface.

===Some Notable Events on the Appian Way===