Definition

Proper noun: * The Appian Way: An ancient Roman road in Italy, extending south from Rome to the port city of Brindisi. It was a major military and trade route, construction of which began in 312 BC under the censor Appius Claudius Caecus.

Usage and Examples

• As a historical and geographical reference:
  • Many tourists visit the ancient catacombs along the Appian Way.
  • Spartacus and his army of rebels were crucified along the Appian Way.
  • The Appian Way was famously built with large, flat stones that fitted tightly together.

Advanced Usage

• Symbolic and metaphorical use: The Appian Way is often used symbolically to represent ancient Roman engineering, infrastructure, or the far-reaching power of the Roman Empire.
  • The new highway was hailed as the Appian Way of the modern era, connecting the capital to the distant provinces.

Variants and Related Words

• Via Appia: The Latin name for the Appian Way, often used in historical and academic contexts.
• Roman road: A general term for the network of long-distance roads built by the Roman Empire, of which the Appian Way is the most famous early example.

Synonyms

• Ancient highway
• Roman thoroughfare

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "All roads lead to Rome": This famous proverb is intrinsically linked to the Roman road network, for which the Appian Way served as a primary model and artery. While not containing the phrase "Appian Way," it references the system it epitomized.
  • The company's new policy centralized all decisions, proving that in this organization, all roads lead to Rome.

Noun

1. an ancient Roman road in Italy extending south from Rome to Brindisi; begun in 312 BC