The Appian Way: From Its Foundation to the Middle Ages (Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum) [Hardcover]

Ivana Della Portella (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0892367520 | ISBN-13: 978-0892367528 | Publication Date: June 24, 2004 | Edition: 1

The Appian Way was the first great artery from Rome to southern Italy and the model for all roads originating in the ancient capital. Conceived by Appius Claudius in 312 B.C., the thoroughfare provided easy access to Capua, the most important junction in southern Italy, and facilitated Roman expansion into the southern peninsula. Paved in black basalt, the road was flanked by level pedestrian footpaths and bordered by tombs, villas, and pleasant rest and refreshment areas along its 365 miles, which could be walked in thirteen to fourteen days. The Ancient Appian Way provides an engaging account of the Appian Way's origins and historical context. The structure of this lavishly illustrated book mirrors the traveler's route south from Rome, making it an ideal guide to the legendary road for all those with an interest in exploring ancient Rome.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ivana della Portella is executive adviser to the Appian Way Park and director of the Antonio Cederna Documentation Center. Giuseppina Pisani Sartorio is an archaeologist and a professor at the University of Naples. Francesca Ventre is director of the Gruppo Archeologico dell'Associazione DLF of Rome.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: J. Paul Getty Museum; 1 edition (June 24, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892367520
• ISBN-13: 978-0892367528
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #670,567 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A treasure for history buffs, August 8, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Appian Way: From Its Foundation to the Middle Ages (Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum) (Hardcover)

Enhanced with the breathtakingly beautiful color photography of Franco Mammana and expertly compiled, edited and oreganized by Ivana della Portella, The Appian Way: From Its Foundation To The Middle Ages is a photographic and historical showcase of the first major artery to connect Rome to southern Italy, which became a model for all roads originating within the ancient capital. A historical survey of the road from its construction in 312 B.C. to its use centuries laterby Christian pilgrims en route to Jerusalem and much more enhances the scenic images from the road itself as well as artistic illustrations expressing edifices from ancient times along this historic road. A treasure for history buffs and a joy for armchair travelers.

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiration for my first bike tour in Italy, May 22, 2011

By 

Jacob Bear "lifelong learner" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Appian Way: From Its Foundation to the Middle Ages (Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum) (Hardcover)

Every couple of years I do a bike tour of the Appian Way. This book (in its Italian version) was recommended by an archeologist I met in Rome when I was getting ready for my first tour. It's got just enough information to make you feel excited without feeling overwhelmed, and the photos of course make you want to get on a plane and go there. And I did. Now whenever someone asks me where I went, or why, I just whip this out and show them.

If you have any passion for the ancient Mediterranean world, and especially if you're planning a trip through southern Italy and you need to convince anyone (including yourself) that it's worthwile, this book is a must-have.