The Via Egnatia

The Via Egnatia was an ancient Roman road that connected the Adriatic Sea to Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul). Built in the 2nd century BC, it served as a vital transportation route across the Balkans, facilitating trade, military movement, and cultural exchange between the Roman Empire and its eastern provinces. The route followed a natural valley through mountainous terrain, making travel more manageable. Today, modern roads trace much of its path, underscoring its lasting importance as a key connector in the region's infrastructure history.