The Byzantine Empire paved their own roads, while the Romans used roads that had been established before them.
While it is true that the Byzantine Empire paved their own roads, it is important to note that the Romans also developed an extensive road network during their time.
The Romans were renowned for their engineering skills and their ability to construct durable and efficient roads. These roads, known as "viae" in Latin, were an essential component of the Roman Empire's infrastructure. They were mainly built to facilitate the movement of troops, supplies, and trade throughout the Empire.
The Romans constructed their roads using a technique called "opus caementicium," which involved laying layers of large stones, gravel, and mortar. This method ensured that the roads remained stable and accessible, even in challenging terrains.
The Byzantine Empire, which emerged as the eastern part of the Roman Empire after its division in 395 CE, continued to maintain and expand the Roman road network. However, they also undertook their own road-building projects to support their growing empire.
One notable example is the construction of the "Via Egnatia." This road, which traversed the Balkans, connecting the Byzantine capital of Constantinople (now Istanbul) to Dyrrhachium (now Durrës, Albania), was constructed during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century CE. The Via Egnatia played a crucial role in facilitating trade, communication, and the movement of armies between the eastern and western parts of the Byzantine Empire.
So, while the Byzantines did pave their own roads, they also relied on and maintained the existing road network developed by the Romans. It should be acknowledged that both the Romans and the Byzantines made significant contributions to the development and maintenance of road infrastructure during their respective periods.