Until recently, archaeologists have paid little attention to the urban street network within the Aurelian Walls. This lack of interest it is in contrast with the strong interest for the extramural roads that connect Rome with the other roman cities. This observation is unexpected, particularly if we consider that the urban streets covered the vast majority of space devoted to public uses.
The research intends to fill the void in studies of ancient streets of Rome, by providing on overview on the topic from several points of view.
The work has been divided in three sections. In the first one, dedicated to the administrative aspects over a long time span (Vth BC - IVth AD), the management of the roads, the roles of the magistrates appointed and their funding will be analyzed in depth. Furthermore, I will investigate the legal and regulatory aspects of the roads – and their connection with the private property – and the peculiar odonimic system of Rome. The technological changes in the road building, documented by archaeological evidences, will be explored in the second section.
