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Glite Dictionary
Appian Way

Appian Way

8.9
An old Roman road from Rome to Brindisi built in 312 BC
  • proper noun
translation icon : Vía Apia
  • I visited the ancient ruins along the Appian Way, marveling at its historical significance.

Examples

  • Following in the footsteps of both ancient and modern Romans, I hike along the Appian Way, through one of the city's ancient gates and into the countryside.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Walking the Appian Way gives you a glimpse into ancient Roman history and architecture.

  • A man took friends south on the Appian Way, and he took off his toga.

    Blog text (27)

  • The Appian Way is famous for its well-preserved stones and beautiful landscapes.

Surface Forms

Appian Way main

Morphology

Appian + way

The expression combines a proper name 'Appian' with 'way' (route), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to a road named Appian. While the specific historical details (ancient Roman origin and fame) are not deducible, the basic compositional meaning 'Appian's road' is transparent and predictable.

Etymology

Appian Way comes from the Roman leader Appius, and the parts Appian and Way show it was his 'road' built in 312 BC to 'connect' Rome with the southeast. Because it was straight and used by soldiers and travellers, the name now means that famous ancient 'road' outside Rome that people can still walk today.