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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

How did the Romans know precisely which direction to build their roads?

Roman road at Vindolanda auxiliary fort, just south of Hadrian’s Wall.
Going exactly where it should ... Roman road at Vindolanda auxiliary fort, just south of Hadrian’s Wall. Photograph: Roy James Shakespeare/Getty Images

When the Romans started building a new long–distance road, how did they know exactly in which direction to go? A small error at the beginning of construction would leave them miles out at a distant destination. Yet all their major roads are straight.

Rodney Gentry

• Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com

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