A newly released map and digital dataset called Itiner-e expands the known length of the Roman Empire’s road network by over 110,000 km.
Itiner-e is the most intricate and comprehensive open digital dataset of roads throughout the Roman Empire. Image credit: de Soto et al., doi: 10.1038/s41597-025-06140-z.
During its peak in the second century AD, the Roman Empire boasted a population exceeding 55 million and extended from present-day Britain to Egypt and Syria.
While the extensive road network facilitated development and maintenance, maps remain incomplete, and existing digitized versions are of low resolution.
“The study of Roman roads has a long-standing history,” remarked Tom Brumans, a researcher at Aarhus University, along with his colleagues.
“A plethora of information about roads has been confirmed through archaeological excavations, surveys, milestones placed regularly along Roman routes, and historical texts like the Antoninian Itinerary and the Poitingeriana Table, which offer a detailed regional overview of key connections between settlements and Roman roads.”
“However, the pursuit of identifying and locating this diverse body of research is complicated by a lack of comprehensive integration and digitization across the empire.”
Researchers employed archaeological and historical records, topographic maps, and satellite imagery to compile the Itiner-e dataset.
This dataset includes 299,171 km of roads, covering an area of approximately 4 million km, a marked increase from the prior estimate of 188,555 km.2.
The growth in road coverage is attributed to enhanced documentation in the Iberian Peninsula, Greece, and North Africa, as well as adjustments to existing road routes based on geographical realities.
This includes the provision for roads traversing mountains to follow winding paths, rather than straight lines.
Itiner-e encompasses 14,769 road segments, with 103,478 km (34.6%) classified as primary roads and 195,693 km (65.4%) as secondary roads.
Only 2.7% of the road locations are known with certainty, while 89.8% remain less precise, and 7.4% are based on hypotheses.
“Itiner-e is the most detailed and comprehensive open-access digitization of Roman roads, and it also highlights existing knowledge gaps in the road system,” the authors stated.
“They emphasize that Itiner-e does not reflect temporal changes in the road network, and further studies are necessary to explore this across the Roman Empire.”
“Itiner-e could serve as a valuable resource for future research on the impact of Roman roads on connectivity, governance, migration, and disease transmission within the empire.”
For maps and datasets, refer to the paper published in Scientific Data.
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P. De Soto et al. 2025. Itiner-e: A high-resolution dataset of roads in the Roman Empire. Scientific Data December 1731. doi: 10.1038/s41597-025-06140-z
A new expansive map of the Roman road system reveals that the empire’s land transport network has effectively grown by nearly 60% and is accessible to all. You can explore it online.
The initiative, named Itiner-e, combines topographical mapping, satellite images, and centuries of historical documentation, and claims to be the first publicly available dataset of this nature.
“It emerged from significant frustration,” states Tom Bluemans of Aarhus University, Denmark. “This is among the most enigmatic areas in Roman archaeology. There’s a saying: ‘All roads lead to Rome.’ So why can’t we access a download of all the roads in Rome? Where are they located?”
Brughmans and his team constructed a representation of the road network around 150 AD, utilizing extensive evidence from research and outlining more accurate paths of previously identified routes. They also assigned confidence ratings to each road segment based on the reliability of the source.
Their findings indicate that the total length of the road network in that period was around 299,171 kilometers, significantly surpassing the government’s previous estimate of 188,555 kilometers from the Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World.
The dataset reveals that even though there is compelling evidence for starting and ending points of many roads, only 2.8% of the entire network can be pinpointed accurately (within 50 meters in mountainous regions and 200 meters in flatter areas).
Roman route through mountains to Delphi in Ancient Greece
itinerary-e
For the Blueman family, this highlights the challenges associated with securing resources to excavate an entire Roman road, resulting in many efforts remaining unfinished. Additionally, major roads have undergone numerous reconstructions throughout history, complicating efforts to uncover the original paths.
While Roman roads are renowned for their straightness, it’s a misconception that they were always constructed that way. Katherine Fletcher from Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK, who did not participate in the study, comments, “Straight paths weren’t always economical or practical, particularly through mountainous regions.” She adds, “In many instances, if a route already existed, the Romans adapted it instead of forging an entirely new one.”
Gaining a deeper understanding of the Roman road network could enhance our grasp of many pivotal events in European history. According to Blumans, developments like early Christianity, widespread migration, and continent-wide pandemics were all influenced by the Roman road system.
Despite their significance, roads are frequently overshadowed because they lack the allure of grand amphitheaters or gladiators, Fletcher notes. “It’s akin to that famous scene in Monty Python where they discuss what the Romans did for us, and they mention, ‘And roads…well, clearly roads! Not to mention roads.’
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Road trips are a quintessential American getaway, allowing you to visit family across states, escape to the mountains for a picturesque autumn weekend, and enjoy an extraordinary journey that may last weeks. While it’s possible to hit the road with just a driver’s license and a water bottle, incorporating some practical gadgets and supplies can lead to a much smoother experience.
Having lived in a camper van while traversing North America, I’ve continually taken numerous trips each year, giving me plenty of time to test the best road trip gear. From entertainment options like podcasts and games to utilities such as portable power banks and pet accessories, we’ll introduce essential items that will make your next excursion the best adventure yet.
All prices are current as of publication.
Portable Power Bank
Photo: John Bittner/Guardian
Anker Laptop Power Bank
$119.99 on Anker
$119.99 on Amazon
I travel with a variety of electronic devices (many of which are work-related), so I’m always conscious of their remaining battery life. Although most modern cars come with USB ports, they often lack the power needed for larger gadgets like laptops. Some hotels may have malfunctioning or inaccessible outlets, and most campsites traditionally don’t have any.
Pack the Anker Laptop Power Bank for reliable power on the go; it features two built-in USB-C cables for fast laptop charging and a port for other devices, with enough capacity to recharge your iPhone about four times.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
If you’ve embarked on a long drive, you know how listening to music can soon become monotonous. A great way to break up the routine is by mixing in podcasts and audiobooks. Audible provides an excellent selection, offering access to thousands of audiobooks for $7.95 per month. Furthermore, if you’re already subscribed to Spotify Premium, you may not realize you are entitled to 15 hours of audiobooks each month, including Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell.
For free options, check out the Libby app, which allows access to free audiobooks from your local library. And, naturally, most podcasts are free; some popular choices include Serial and S-Town.
Travel-sized Board Games
Photo: John Bittner/Guardian
GoCube Edge 3×3 Speed Cube
$49.95 on Amazon
$69.95 for retail
If you’re traveling with friends, small travel board games and puzzles can significantly reduce the time spent on the road. Many of my favorite games come in compact travel editions such as Catan, Chess, and Checkers. On your journey, your travel partners can play and save the big game night for your arrival.
Looking for something more engaging? Consider the GoCube Edge, a Rubik’s Cube that connects to your smartphone, offering tutorials to help you solve its colorful challenges.
Don’t forget to pack your pup’s poop bags for bathroom breaks along with dog food, medication, a foldable water bowl to save space, and a protective seat cover if your furry friend has sharp claws or sheds. Consider an affordable and durable standard active pet car hammock; it’s practical and fits most vehicles.
It’s common sense, yet many overlook regularly checking and restocking their first aid kits after use. Some even forget to bring one along! Keeping a stocked first aid kit in your car is essential for road trips, particularly with painkillers, band-aids, allergy meds, and antiseptics. It’s never fun to injure yourself only to realize there’s no bandage available, especially when the closest convenience store is hours away.
Cooler
Photo: John Bittner/Guardian
RTIC Road Trip Cooler
$99 on RTIC
$105 at Walmart
It’s astounding how fast food and drink costs escalate on the road—just a Big Mac can surpass $7. Prices soar as you approach the highway, making packing a cooler a smart strategy to avoid these inflated costs. I’ve been using the Moose Jaw Chiradilla, which is no longer available. Its robust build doesn’t just keep your fruit, sparkling water, and sandwiches safe; you can also place it on a short hike without worrying about damage.
While the Chiradilla is no longer on the market, the RTIC 16-Quart road trip cooler features a similar durable design. For ease of travel in a packed vehicle, the RTIC cooler is ideal. Alternatively, Rei Trailgate cooler is a popular soft-sided choice. While we can’t guarantee all these options, check them out as you consider an upgrade.
In addition to my laptop, I always like to have another entertainment source handy, usually my 10.3″ e-reader tablet. This slim device not only provides access to hundreds of books, but also enables note-taking and drawing, while handling word and PDF files. With its multifunctionality, it’s easy to justify bringing it along on any trip, especially since it’s portable.
For films and games, a simple iPad can be an excellent choice. Available in four variations, the basic iPad comes with an 11-inch screen, ample power, and a reasonable price of $349, ensuring you can enjoy a full day of battery life.
Headphones
Photo: John Bittner/Guardian
Sony WH1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
$198 at Walmart
$228 on Amazon
While you shouldn’t use headphones while driving, they can be great for passengers to enjoy their favorite tunes. It’s wise to invest in a set with superb noise cancellation to block out the car radio and nearby chatter. I use the Sony WH-1000XM4, which delivers fantastic noise cancellation and impressive audio quality. For even more advanced features, consider the Sony WH-1000XM6.
Sony WH1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Jon Bitner is a travel, outdoor, and tech writer for platforms like GameSpot, Digital Trends, and Islands. An avid hiker, he enjoys exploring the Rocky Mountains from his home in Boulder, Colorado.
Driverless taxis, which have disrupted industries in various US and Chinese cities, are now on their way to London.
As a cyclist, Londoner, and journalist who has closely observed AI developments, I find myself somewhat anxious. Yet, considering the frequent encounters with careless human drivers in London, part of me feels cautiously hopeful.
Ultimately, the question arises: is it preferable to navigate the roads among tired, distracted, and irate humans, or to coexist with potentially erratic AI?
The UK government has affirmed plans for companies like Uber to launch pilot programs featuring self-driving “taxi and bus-like” services in 2026. Following that, in the latter half of 2027, automated vehicle legislation is expected to take effect, establishing a formal legal framework for the industry. Crucially, this law places accountability for accidents on the automakers rather than local residents.
Officials advocate that unmanned vehicles could enhance road safety, given that human error is responsible for 88% of all traffic accidents. The statistics are staggering: London highways reported 130 fatalities last year, which included 66 pedestrians and 10 cyclists. Globally, 1.2 million individuals die in traffic incidents annually.
As someone who cycles often in London, I have firsthand experience with the challenges posed by reckless driving. I’ve witnessed drivers engaging in a variety of distractions, from eating breakfast to watching movies. I have been rear-ended at red lights at least four times. While it is commonly said that AI lacks creativity, humans have certainly mastered the art of poor driving.
In contrast, AI isn’t swayed by distractions such as text messages, alcohol, or fatigue. With numerous sensors, machines lack blind spots and always check their surroundings before making a turn.
Admittedly, there have been alarming reports of autonomous vehicles failing to stop and causing harm to pedestrians. These incidents garner significant media attention. However, considering the numerous fatalities attributed to human drivers, the statistics of road deaths paint a less sensational picture. In the UK, more than four people die daily in traffic accidents.
The safety concerns surrounding autonomous vehicles are complex. While I believe that every road fatality is unacceptable, there exists a compelling argument that if AI can travel the same distance with fewer casualties, it shouldn’t be demonized in the pursuit of progress.
“
I have doubts about whether self-driving cars can differentiate pedestrians from shadows. “
Research indicates that driverless cars often outperform human-driven vehicles in terms of safety, although this advantage may not consistently hold in urban environments, particularly under poor lighting or during complex maneuvers.
These vehicles depend on technology companies to ensure their safety, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest relating to profit versus safety. We have already seen concerning suggestions to equip pedestrians with electronic sensors to enhance their visibility to these machines.
When it comes to cyclists, can tech companies ensure they maintain a 1.5-meter buffer when a robocar passes, or will they simply prioritize not hitting cyclists? The latter might streamline urban travel times, but could pose risks to vulnerable cyclists. Furthermore, to what extent will autonomous vehicles pause to allow pedestrians to fully cross the street, or will they encourage hurried crossings? These parameters can be influenced, and there are inevitably tensions between safety and travel efficiency.
Even if a company aims to act benevolently, AI systems are inherently unpredictable. Just as chatbots can suggest erroneous ingredients, self-driving cars cannot guarantee they won’t misinterpret a pedestrian as a shadow. It’s an unsettling truth.
Personally, I harbor reservations about AI operating vehicles in my vicinity, just as I do about human drivers. However, while human capabilities can improve with time and effort, AI has the potential for rapid advancement. The roll-out of automated taxis in London could provide invaluable data that enhances the safety of our roads. Ultimately, if given a choice, I would prefer an AI driver.
Nevertheless, the stark reality remains: a few tons of steel on four wheels—combined with high-tech systems—will never constitute a wholly safe or efficient urban transport solution. Self-driving taxis may mirror today’s human-operated models, ultimately not resolving London’s transport challenges.
Electric bikes and dedicated cycle lanes are environmentally friendly and often more efficient for city travel, while buses can accommodate multiple passengers, utilizing the space of two SUVs. However, such solutions may not yield substantial profits for big tech companies, will they?
Matt Week
What I’m reading
How music works by Talking Heads frontman David Byrne.
What I’m seeing
Horror movies I’ll bring her back (It’s true, through the hands that cover their eyes at the moment).
What I’m working on
Next spring, I plan to plant various cuttings in my garden to fill empty spaces.
Matt Sparkes is a technology reporter for New Scientist
I When my sons rushed over to me a few hours after the game, I recognized that there might be challenges with the Mario Kart universe in our home. Slightly concerned, I examined my thumb and noticed it had indeed been battered by the chaotic fun of the tournament. Playing Mario Kart online is now an option—even during video chats—but it doesn’t replicate the experience of playing alongside friends on the couch. This game has the potential to revive living room multiplayer for countless families.
It’s been a long time since 1992 when Mario and his friends started racing around the whimsical Wonder Circuit. This series has been a consistent companion throughout my life, one that everyone enjoys playing with me. I found myself embroiled in a multi-month match battle with my brother and a gamer friend. I witnessed a stranger joyfully playing it endlessly during the gaming night at the pub I managed. I raced in and out of the game over the long evening with a large group of friends. I’ve played it with nearly every person I’ve dated. Mario Kart World accommodates all these play styles and more. Highly competitive.
The Mario Kart world is vibrant with split-screen multiplayer as per usual, and the online features are extensive. Photo: Nintendo
The course offerings resemble a true Disneyland, featuring ice palaces, jungle safaris, dinosaur parks, ski slopes, and a spaceport themed after the 1983 arcade version of Donkey Kong. Some courses feel like classic Mario Kart tracks with clever turns and shortcuts designed for power sliding and boosting in the traditional style. Others take you on broader, more scenic journeys. All tracks link to additional courses, allowing you to traverse hotspots on a vast, interconnected map—from the seaside to Bowser Castle and up volcanic mountains.
Outside of racing, you can freely roam off-road or along the water, searching for hidden coins and challenges. You’ll encounter tricky courses across lava fields, unconventional routes through the air with seaplane wings, and timed coin-collecting adventures. This world might not be as densely populated and visually stunning as Forza Horizon, but it’s a delightful space to explore with friends, discovering quaint, picturesque spots together. The visual elements evoke the essence of group excursions—think Polaroid snapshots, local shop stickers, and favorite foods. It’s unfortunate that Free-Roam is limited to online play; two or more players using the same console can race together but cannot explore as a group.
Speaking of exploration, you can make your Mario Kart session feel like a tournament. If desired, you can time your laps and compete to identify the optimal lines on specific courses. However, it seems developers aim for an exploratory experience instead. The Grand Prix Competition ties together courses, allowing you to create routes across this little continent and witness all its sights. Racing with 24 players along an expansive route feels less like a race and more like a chaotic road trip. This atmosphere is reminiscent of a knockout tournament—a Fortnite-style elimination race where you can go from 1st to 14th place in seconds, getting knocked out frequently.
Yet, the most significant shift isn’t the setting but the movement mechanics. You can charge boost jumps, grind along rails across more intricate courses, ride on walls, and discover chain shortcuts. This required me to rewire my muscle memory built over years of drifting and boosting. In my initial days with Mario Kart World, I faced the humbling reality that I might actually be bad after all these years. However, once you master it, the gameplay feels revitalized, adding a hint of Tony Hawk-level skill, even for those of us who have been karting for ages.
The new visuals of Mario Kart World revitalize Donkey Kong for a new generation. Photo: Nintendo
The character roster is extensive and whimsical. Cows, dolphins, and a freshly designed Donkey Kong can race on the Hilaring Wheel in the Hilaring Rally. (Nintendo’s iconic apes now look as though they’ve been inspired by a recent Mario movie.) Every time I perform my tricks, I lightly bounce in the air. Now I realize he’s not irritated; he’s just older. It’s hard not to chuckle at Bowser donning full biker leather, echoing his copycat Harley persona.
With a variety of motion-controlled steering and auto-acceleration options, the game offers multiple assist settings for newer players. My 8-year-old could play without assistance, while my 5-year-old managed with some help. It truly feels like an exemplary welcoming title, embodying a blend of diverse philosophies of fun that coexist harmoniously. The Switch 2 itself seems more like a suave upgrade than a completely new console, showcasing Nintendo’s talent for reinvention.
These two medieval cities, named Tashbulak and Tugubulak, are among the largest cities ever recorded on the mountainous Silk Road, a vast network of ancient trade routes that connected Europe and East Asia. is.
A drone captured this image of Tugumburak in 2018. Image credit: M. Frachetti.
Tashbulac and Tugumbrac are located on rugged terrain between 2,000 and 2,200 meters above sea level (roughly comparable to Machu Picchu in Peru), making them rare examples of thriving mountain cities.
The small city of Tashbulak had an area of about 12 hectares, while the larger city of Tugubulak reached 120 hectares, making it one of the largest provincial cities of the time.
“These would have been important urban centers in Central Asia, especially if they moved from lowland oases to more difficult highlands,” said archaeologist Professor Michael Frachetti of Washington University in St. Louis.
“Although typically seen as barriers to trade and movement on the Silk Road, the mountains were actually major centers of exchange.”
“Animals, minerals, and other valuable resources likely drove their prosperity.”
“The Tugumbrak site had an elaborate urban structure with a specific material culture that was very different from the sedentary culture of the lowlands,” added Dr. Farkhod Makhdov, director of the National Archaeological Center of Uzbekistan.
“It is clear that the people who lived in Tugumburak more than a thousand years ago were nomads who maintained their own independent culture and political economy.”
Combined lidar view of Tugumburak. Image credit: SAIElab / J.Berner / M. Frachetti.
Drone-based lidar scanning revealed squares, fortresses, roads and settlements in Tashbulak and Tugubulak.
“These are some of the highest resolution lidar images of the site ever published,” Dr. Frachetti said.
“They are made possible, in part, because of the unique erosion dynamics in this mountainous environment.”
“Both cities need more thorough testing,” he added.
“Preliminary excavations at one of the fortified structures in Tugumburak show that this fortification (a building protected by a three-meter-thick rammed earth wall) was constructed by a local metal smith who used the rich iron ore deposits to create steel. This suggests that it may have been a processing factory.
“Such an industry would have been an important feature of the city and its economy.”
It is already clear that Tashbulak and Tugubulak were not just remote outposts or resting places.
“The Silk Road was not just about China and its western terminus,” Dr. Frachetti said.
“Major political forces were active in Central Asia. Complex centers of networks were also drivers of innovation.”
team's result Published in this month's magazine nature.
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MD Frachetti others. 2024. Large-scale medieval urbanization tracked by UAV lidar in the highlands of Central Asia. nature 634, 1118-1124; doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-08086-5
A recent study found that the majority of e-scooter accidents requiring hospital treatment are not officially recorded in road accident figures. This suggests that the danger of e-scooter accidents is being underestimated.
The analysis revealed that only 9% of e-scooter-related injuries reported in 20 emergency departments over a two-month period were included in official accident statistics. Additionally, just over a quarter of the most serious injuries are accounted for in road accident casualty data.
The study, commissioned by the Parliamentary Advisory Committee for Transport Safety (Pacts), highlighted concerning trends in head, face, and spine injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents. The report warned that the increase in e-scooter use is surpassing the ability of police reporting systems to accurately record all injuries and collisions.
Margaret Winchcomb, Deputy Executive Director of Pact, emphasized the importance of consistent and robust methods for measuring risk to e-scooter riders and other road users.
The use of e-scooters is currently being trialled in multiple locations across England, despite being illegal on public roads. It is estimated that there are over 750,000 privately owned electric scooters in the country.
The study compared official road death and injury figures (known as Stats19) with hospital records from a two-month period in 2021. It found that only 8.6% of e-scooter-related incidents were included in Stats19 data.
Analysis of National Clinical Audit of Trauma in England and Wales data during the same period found 54 serious injuries related to electric scooters, compared to only 25.9% included in the Stats19 database.
The study also revealed that the system for recording road accidents (Stats19) does not capture a significant proportion of non-fatal casualties related to e-scooters. The Department for Transport (DfT) acknowledged the need for clear information to the public about reporting accidents to the police.
DfT analysis revealed that more than half of e-scooter-related traffic fatalities and injuries reported in the year ending June 2023 occurred outside the test zone. There were 1,269 crashes involving electric scooters during this period, resulting in 7 deaths and 390 serious injuries.
Nicholas Lies from road safety charity IAM Roadsmart called for urgent legislation on private electric scooters, including standards for equipment, speed limiters, and minimum rider competency requirements.
A DfT spokesperson assured that safety remains a top priority and that they are working closely with the police to enhance data on e-scooter accidents.
Leading defense technology startup Anduril has developed a new product designed to address the proliferation of low-cost, high-power aviation threats.
The product, called Roadrunner, is a low-cost, designed, modular, twin-jet-powered, autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Anduril is also developing a variant called the Road Runner Munition, or Road Runner M, which is a “high-explosive bomb interceptor.” This means it can also carry warheads and destroy air threats defensively.
The Roadrunner is unusual in both appearance and abilities. It can take off, track and destroy targets. When there is no need to intercept a target, the vehicle can autonomously maneuver back to base, refuel and reuse. As Chris Brose, Anduril’s chief strategy officer, said in a recent interview, “We’ve developed a fighter weapon that basically lands like a Falcon 9.”
The product was built in response to the rise of high-speed, autonomous air weapons that can be produced in large quantities and at very low cost, a new type of threat, Brose said. Unlike other current solutions and previous legacy missile systems, the Roadrunner-M is also reusable.
“In my opinion, this is the first retrievable weapon ever deployed in combat,” Brose said. “That’s really great. The ability to introduce […] If it is not actually used in an operation to kill another drone, it can be recovered and reused, completely changing the way operators fight with this feature. Currently, they have a limited number of interceptors and cannot take them back if they decide to launch an attack. ”
According to Anduril, there are several other major improvements compared to previous systems. These are: a reduction in launch and takeoff time, a threefold increase in the warhead payload, a tenfold increase in the effective firing range, and a threefold increase in maneuverability in terms of gravitational acceleration. Like Andruil’s other family of systems, Roadrunner-M can be controlled by Lattice, Andruil’s AI-powered command and control software, or integrated into existing architectures.
Another big benefit is for operators. When faced with a fast-moving threat, Roadrunner can launch instantly, image it, and receive a signal to engage or not. The products are reusable and recoverable, allowing operators to act without fear of losing valuable assets.
Brose said the company has been working in tandem with unnamed U.S. government partners since it began designing the Roadrunner about two years ago.
“[National defense] A lot of times, the stereotype is right that it’s just very dull, very slow, very unimaginative, very unexciting,” Brose said. “As a company, Anduril is the antithesis of that, and Roadrunner embodies the kind of excitement that we believe exists in national defense, and I think we’re very keen to bring that back.”
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