‘It is obvious that the accurate study on the spot of the remains of these roads will be of considerable topographical and historical value … Italy is, in truth, an inexhaustible mine of beauty, and he who searches will not fail to find his reward’ (Thomas Ashby, Retracing Roman Highways, Melbourne Argus, 3rd October, 1914).
Thomas Ashby and his companions’ topographical and historical research in Italy was ground-breaking and Ashby’s work on Roman roads has stood the test of time. In this exhibition, we recreate several journeys from Rome along the ancient roads of Italy, conducted by Ashby and his friends, BSR scholars, and associates, such as R.A.L. Fell, Robert Gardner, J.S. Beaumont, Arnold J. Toynbee, Peter Paul Mackey, and Agnes and Dora Bulwer. These journeys include sections of the Via Flaminia, Via Appia, Via Traiana, and Via Amerina.
Photo by Thomas Ashby: Travelling on the ancient Via Praenestina near Cavamonte, 1915(?), Thomas Ashby Collection, TA-XLVIII.041
