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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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    1. Fabian Wahl, 2017. "Does European development have Roman roots? Evidence from the German Limes," Journal of Economic Growth, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 313-349, September.
    2. Stefania Cosci & Loredana Mirra, 2018. "A spatial analysis of growth and convergence in Italian provinces: the role of road infrastructure," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(4), pages 516-527, April.
    3. Giovanni Iuzzolino & Guido Pellegrini & Gianfranco Viesti, 2011. "Convergence among Italian Regions, 1861-2011," Quaderni di storia economica (Economic History Working Papers) 22, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    4. Dincecco, Mark & Federico, Giovanni & Vindigni, Andrea, 2011. "Warfare, Taxation, and Political Change: Evidence from the Italian Risorgimento," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 71(4), pages 887-914, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Vania Licio, 2023. "The Italian coal shortage: the price of import and distribution, 1861–1911," Cliometrica, Springer;Cliometric Society (Association Francaise de Cliométrie), vol. 17(3), pages 501-532, September.
    2. 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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