Archaeologists in Rome are looking for street directions... specifically clues to the beginning point of the famed Appian Way, built by the Roman Republic three centuries before the Caesars.
Some portions of the 500-plus kilometre road are easily seen in Rome and other areas, but the starting point of the road has not been located. The Appian Way is in line to be named as a UNESCO World Heritage.
It played a key role in connecting Rome to the southern port of Brindisi, opening trade with Greece and the eastern Mediterranean. It was a massive undertaking, requiring grading, bridge- and canal-building and constructionof inns and stables along its route.
As time went on, however, it became less important and even in Roman times the beginning was lost; parts are believed to lie underneath the Baths of Caracallo, built five centuries later. The excavations now are aimed at finding enough clues to be certain of the location.
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