Via Domitia
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The Via Domitia was the first Roman road built in Gaul, which is in modern day France. It was constructed in 118 BC by the proconsul, Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, and was built around the time of the first Roman colony in Gaul, Colonia Narbo Martius, which is now known as Narbonne.
The via Domitia connected Italy to Spain. At Narbonne, it met the Via Aquitania (which led toward the Atlantic Ocean through Toulouse and Bordeaux). Thus Narbonne was a crucial stategic crossroads of the Via Domitia and the Via Aquitania, and it was an accessible, but well defendable, port at that time. So this 'cusp point' in the Roman Empire's western expansion and ensuing supply, communication and fortification was a very important asset, and was treated as such. See Narbonne.
Towns along the Via Domitia include:
- Briançon (Brigantio)
- Gap (Vapincum)
- Embrun (Eburodunum)
- Sisteron (Segustero)
- Apt (Apta Julia)
- Cavaillon (Cabellio)
- Beaucaire (Ugernum)
- Nîmes (Nemausus)
- Ambrussum
- Béziers (Baeterris)
- Narbonne (Narbo Martius)
