The Journey of Man: The History of Transport in Ancient Cities

From the dawn of civilization, the movement of people, goods, and ideas has been a cornerstone of human progress. Ancient cities, the cradles of culture and commerce, depended on ever-evolving means of transport to connect their inhabitants and the wider world.

The First Steps: Footpaths and Animal Tracks

In the earliest days, men traveled on foot, following paths carved by generations before them. These simple trails connected settlements, water sources, and hunting grounds. Soon, animals such as donkeys, horses, and camels were domesticated, becoming the first beasts of burden. Their strength allowed heavier loads to be carried farther than ever before.

Roads of Stone and Innovation: The Ancient Highways

As cities grew, the need for reliable routes became urgent. The Sumerians of Mesopotamia laid some of the first known paved roads, easing travel and trade. But it was the Romans who perfected the art of road-building. Their vast network of straight, durable roads — stretching over 400,000 kilometers — linked the empire, enabling swift military movements and bustling trade.

Roman roads, layered with stones and crowned for drainage, were marvels of engineering, many still visible today. Milestones marked distances, inns and rest stops dotted the way, and bridges spanned rivers, all contributing to a seamless system.

Waterways: The Lifeblood of Ancient Transport

Rivers and seas were natural highways. Ancient Egyptians harnessed the Nile, using reed boats and later wooden ships to move grain and goods. The Phoenicians, masters of the Mediterranean, sailed far and wide, establishing trade colonies and spreading culture.

Harbors and canals flourished, such as the Grand Canal in China, which later became vital for connecting distant parts of empires. Water transport allowed heavier cargo and longer distances, connecting cities inland to the wider world.

Wheeled Vehicles and Chariots

The invention of the wheel transformed transport in ancient cities. Carts and wagons hauled goods on land, while chariots became symbols of status and warfare. Drawn by horses or oxen, wheeled vehicles made possible the movement of bulk goods, from agricultural produce to building materials.

Public Transport and Urban Mobility

In some ancient cities, organized transport systems arose. Rome’s cursus publicus was an imperial courier network, while cities like Pompeii had carriages and litter bearers. Narrow streets, however, limited large vehicles, encouraging walking and the use of pack animals.

The Legacy of Ancient Transport

The innovations of ancient civilizations set the foundation for all future travel. Roads, rivers, and vehicles linked peoples and fostered exchange of ideas and goods, fueling the growth of culture and empire.

As it is written, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings...” (Isaiah 52:7) — so too, the paths and means by which men journeyed shaped the course of history and the spread of civilization.