History · Level 3 · 160 words
The Roads of Rome
Original passage © Team AM, written for Hone Literacy.
The ancient Romans built one of the most impressive road systems the world had ever seen. At its height, the empire was connected by tens of thousands of miles of roads, stretching from Britain in the north to the deserts of the south.
Roman engineers built these roads to last. They dug deep and laid down several layers, beginning with large stones at the bottom and finishing with smooth, tightly fitted paving stones on top. Many roads were slightly curved across their width so that rainwater would run off the sides instead of pooling in the middle.
The roads served the army first. Soldiers could march quickly from one part of the empire to another to defend its borders or keep order. But the roads helped everyone. Traders moved goods, messengers carried news, and ordinary travelers found their journeys faster and safer. A saying grew up that all roads lead to Rome, because so many routes pointed toward the capital.
Comprehension questions
1. Why were many Roman roads slightly curved across their width?
- A To make them look nicer
- B So rainwater would run off the sides
- C To slow down travelers
- D To save stone
Show answer
B. So rainwater would run off the sides
The text says the curve let rainwater run off the sides instead of pooling.
2. Why was a strong road system useful to the Roman army?
- A It let soldiers grow crops
- B It let soldiers march quickly across the empire to defend it
- C It stopped traders from traveling
- D It blocked enemy ships
Show answer
B. It let soldiers march quickly across the empire to defend it
The passage says the roads let soldiers march quickly to defend borders and keep order.
3. What is the passage mainly about?
- A How Romans grew food
- B The well-built Roman roads and how they helped the empire
- C The fall of Rome
- D Roman clothing
Show answer
B. The well-built Roman roads and how they helped the empire
The passage describes how the roads were built and how they served the army, traders, and travelers.
Source: Written for Hone Literacy. Original passage © Team AM, written for Hone Literacy.