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A comment on Ancient Rome's version of Google Maps: how long to reach the beach. Parent comment

Re:Ancient Rome's version of Google Maps: how long to reach ... by watutalkinbout on Wednesday July 29, 2026 @07:11AM (#49095910)
That said, as someone who has walked on cobblestone - a modern road in modern boots is different to an ancient road in ancient boots.

I'd bet money the 'real' travel times would differ.

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Re:Ancient Rome's version of Google Maps: how long to reach ... by toyg on Wednesday July 29, 2026 @07:36AM (#49096121)
> an ancient road in ancient boots

Boots? That's luxury! Sandals more likely...

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Re:Ancient Rome's version of Google Maps: how long to reach ... by jordanb on Wednesday July 29, 2026 @09:26AM (#49097223)
What you call sandals the Romans called boots. Their boots were open on the top but still heavily soled. This suited their climate and kept the foot cool and dry.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caligae

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Re:Ancient Rome's version of Google Maps: how long to reach ... by k3liutZu on Wednesday July 29, 2026 @11:22AM (#49098715)
The wikipedia article names them in the first paragraph "sandal-boots".

So maybe they were both

(If I were to see someone wear them today, I would call them sandals)

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Re:Ancient Rome's version of Google Maps: how long to reach ... by odyssey7 on Wednesday July 29, 2026 @11:40AM (#49098946)
A modern alternative might be a pair of crocs?
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Re:Ancient Rome's version of Google Maps: how long to reach ... by jordanb on Wednesday July 29, 2026 @01:15PM (#49100287)
These were hob nailed thick soles leather boots where the uppers were a series of adjustable straps. I don't think there's anything modern that's comparable.

The closest in terms of function would probably be the jungle boot, where the uppers have drains and fabric air circulation panels built in to keep the foot cooler and dryer.

These boots were designed to allow the wearer to walk long distances without discomfort in the Mediterranean climate of the Roman empire

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Re:Ancient Rome's version of Google Maps: how long to reach ... by artisinal on Wednesday July 29, 2026 @08:55AM (#49096880)
In the case of Spain, many long distance roads are no longer safe for pedestrians as there are cars on them now. Madrid to Milan would be a suicide missions in current day.
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Re:Ancient Rome's version of Google Maps: how long to reach ... by echoangle on Wednesday July 29, 2026 @11:27AM (#49098779)
Are there no bike paths or foot paths close by? You don’t literally have to walk on the street the cars are using.
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Re:Ancient Rome's version of Google Maps: how long to reach ... by artisinal on Wednesday July 29, 2026 @11:43AM (#49098986)
This is a Street View link to Via Augusta, one of the oldest roads between Spain and Italy (8 to 2 BC). It’s not walkable anymore. There isn’t an alternative footpath. You might hike on the beach and climb the rocks in between but that is significantly harder than cobblestones.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ACFQnM14CQgXGBBu8

Coordinates (41.1337583, 1.3308702)

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Re:Ancient Rome's version of Google Maps: how long to reach ... by echoangle on Wednesday July 29, 2026 @11:48AM (#49099043)
If I enter Madrid and Milan in Google Maps and select walking, it does show some footpaths to take, no? Those don’t look like major roads.

Don’t know how to share the route without doxxing myself but you can enter it yourself.

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Re:Ancient Rome's version of Google Maps: how long to reach ... by artisinal on Wednesday July 29, 2026 @11:52AM (#49099103)
In the example I gave Google will tell you to walk over N340 / Via Augusta. Highly dangerous.

Walking Madrid to Milan Google suggests to walk here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/STmiz37BiKtxe6HX7

(41.9218388, 1.2047772)

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Re:Ancient Rome's version of Google Maps: how long to reach ... by Izkata on Wednesday July 29, 2026 @11:56AM (#49099164)
The pattern of dirt and rocks on the other side of one of the guardrails looks like what you get from people walking it.
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