An international study involving the Autonomous University of Barcelona and Aarhus University has substantially altered the understanding of the Roman Empire's infrastructure. The research confirmed that the extensive network of roads reached more than 300,000 kilometers, a notable increase from traditional estimates that suggested around 190,000 kilometers. This finding emerged from an ambitious digitization project that compiled archaeological, historical, and satellite data into the Itiner-e database, with the results published in the scientific journal Scientific Data.

The study allowed for a more accurate reconstruction of how key cities, provinces, and regions within the Roman world were interconnected nearly two thousand years ago. This enhanced knowledge not only broadens the historical perspective on Roman infrastructure but also establishes new avenues for research into specific phenomena such as trade, imperial administration, migration patterns, and the spread of diseases during antiquity.

The creation of a digital map that showcases the intricate layout of these ancient roads will facilitate further academic inquiry and exploration into the socio-economic dynamics of the Roman Empire. By understanding these pathways, historians and archaeologists can gain insights into the movement of people and goods, thus enriching the narrative of Roman history and its lasting impacts on modern civilization.