Mr Laifman's exigesis is most interesting, but incorrect. The Roman road
gauge was selected by Julius Caesar to standardize the baggage carts which
supplied Rome. This had been a fiasco, with varying parts of the road
having different gouges in them -- these gouges were on hills, to aid
traction. So Caesar dictated a measurement even in Roman feet be used by
ALL baggage carts, creating a sudden flurry amidst the teamsters refitting
their wagons, but peace thereafter.
He also directed that all baggage carts had to go into and out of the city
at night, creating much insomnia but freeing traffic jams substantially.
The gauge he selected became, of course, the standard one used on courier
carts under the Late Republic and Empire.
The military really has virtually nothing to do with this tale, but then the
Roman Army travelled on its feet or on horseback.
Marc
msmall@roanoke.infi.net FAX: +540/343-7315
Cha robh bas fir gun ghras fir!
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