medieval roads

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From: Garth Blore (garth.blore@chatbox.proxima.alt.za)
Date: Sun 10 Apr 1994 - 01:48:00 EEST

Does anyone know the actual state of roads in medieval world, like Glorantha for instance?

I like to operate my campaigns off a largely realistic footing. Making things like weather and the capabilities of pack animals matter.

I am assuming that the main roads between two large urban centres would be packed earth about wide enough for a wagon and two files of troops, the brush on either side thinned out to some 20 feet or so. They are maintained on a regular basis, with the potholes filled with gravel and cut branches, they may even be corded at in lowlying areas. Lesser roads would be narrower and would be deeply rutted. Tracks are frequently blocked by fallen trees and it is the repsonsibility of travellers to remove these obstacles.

What is the frequency of real cobbelled roads, and what kind of civilisation would be necessary to produce that quality of road.

I would like to know how others feel about these assumptions and any contributions and corrections will be welcomed. In addition any references I could look up would be great.

Thanks
Garth

garth.blore@chatbox.proxima.alt.za                                                                                                               

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