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From the historical Roman road network to modern infrastructure in Italy

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  • Luca De Benedictis
  • Vania Licio
  • Anna Maria Pinna

Abstract

The road system built during the Roman Empire continues to have a significant impact on modern infrastructure in Italy. This paper examines the historical influence of Roman roads on the development of Italy's motorways and railways. The empirical analysis demonstrates how modern Italian transport infrastructure largely follows the path of the consular trajectories established by the network of Roman roads. These ancient roads, being paved and connecting the extremes of the Italian peninsula, have endured over time, serving as the foundational physical capital for the development of the current transport network. Overall, this research highlights the enduring legacy of the Roman road system and the robustness of Roman roads as an instrument in determining the causal effect of modern infrastructure.

Suggested Citation

  • Luca De Benedictis & Vania Licio & Anna Maria Pinna, 2023. "From the historical Roman road network to modern infrastructure in Italy," Journal of Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 63(5), pages 1162-1191, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jregsc:v:63:y:2023:i:5:p:1162-1191
    DOI: 10.1111/jors.12659
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    2. Mauricio S. de Carvalho & Patrícia C. Melo & Bruno T. Rocha & Isabel Proença & João de Abreu e Silva, 2025. "Market potential, road accessibility, and firm births: evidence from twenty years of road investment," Working Papers REM 2025/0364, ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics and Management, REM, Universidade de Lisboa.
    3. Davide Fiaschi & Cristiano Ricci, 2023. "The spatial evolution of economic activities and the emergence of cities," Papers 2310.07883, arXiv.org.

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