The Salt Route (Via Salaria)
Historical routeAbout
The Via Salaria, or the Salt Road, was a pivotal ancient Roman route connecting Rome to Castrum Truentinum (modern Porto d'Ascoli) on the Adriatic coast. Stretching 242 kilometers, it played a crucial role in transporting salt from coastal areas to inland regions, including Rome. The road's significance extended beyond trade; it was also a strategic military route and held cultural importance due to salt's use in Roman rituals. The Via Salaria facilitated economic integration and cultural exchange across the Italian peninsula. It passed through key towns like Reate (Rieti) and Asculum (Ascoli Piceno), linking inland settlements with coastal trade routes. The road's legacy remains in modern Italy, with the Strada statale 4 Via Salaria maintaining its historical path. The Via Salaria's influence on Roman society was profound, shaping both the economy and cultural practices through its role in the salt trade.
