Tabula peutingeriana

Definition

The tabula peutingeriana is a Roman road map that illustrates the cursus publicus, or the public post system, used for transportation and communication throughout the Roman Empire. This map serves as a vital historical resource, showcasing the interconnectedness of cities and regions, as well as providing insights into ancient Roman geography and infrastructure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tabula peutingeriana is not a single original document; rather, it survives as a medieval copy of a 4th-century Roman map.
2. This map stretches approximately 6.5 meters long and depicts thousands of locations along major Roman roads.
3. It illustrates the distances between various cities, helping travelers estimate travel times and plan their journeys across the empire.
4. The tabula peutingeriana reflects the Roman emphasis on infrastructure and communication, highlighting how crucial roads were for maintaining control over vast territories.
5. This map also includes information on natural features such as mountains and rivers, demonstrating the importance of geography in navigation and planning routes.

Review Questions

• How does the tabula peutingeriana illustrate the importance of communication in the Roman Empire?
  • The tabula peutingeriana highlights the critical role of communication in the Roman Empire by detailing the cursus publicus, which allowed for efficient movement of messages and goods. By mapping out major roads and distances between cities, it shows how Romans maintained control over their vast territories. This connectivity enabled not just military movement but also trade and cultural exchange, demonstrating that effective communication was vital for the empire's stability.
• In what ways does the tabula peutingeriana serve as an insight into Roman infrastructure and urban planning?
  • The tabula peutingeriana offers significant insights into Roman infrastructure and urban planning by showcasing an extensive network of roads linking cities throughout the empire. Its detailed depiction of distances between various locations illustrates how strategically placed roads facilitated trade and military operations. Moreover, it reveals how urban centers were connected to one another, emphasizing the Romans' advanced understanding of logistics and their commitment to maintaining robust transportation routes.
• Evaluate the impact of the tabula peutingeriana on our understanding of ancient geography and its relevance to contemporary studies in cartography.
  • The tabula peutingeriana greatly enhances our understanding of ancient geography by providing a comprehensive view of the spatial relationships between cities in the Roman Empire. Its significance extends to contemporary studies in cartography as it showcases early attempts at mapping and spatial organization. The map's format and representation inform modern scholars about ancient perspectives on geography, while also highlighting how historical maps can influence contemporary navigation practices and geographic understanding.

Related terms

Cursus Publicus: The state-run courier and transportation service established by Augustus, enabling the efficient movement of information and goods across the Roman Empire.

Roman Roads: An extensive network of roads built by the Romans to facilitate trade, military movement, and communication throughout their empire.

Itinerarium: A Roman travel guide that listed routes and distances between places, serving as a practical tool for travelers in the ancient world.