In May 2025, researchers successfully mapped the network of Roman roads across England and Wales using advanced GIS technology. This innovative approach involved analyzing the 15th-century Gough Map to uncover the intricate connections of ancient infrastructure.
The team of historians and digital archaeologists meticulously examined the Gough Map, a detailed manuscript. Their analysis identified previously unrecognized routes and connections within the Roman road system. By analyzing the red lines on the Gough Map, researchers argue that these represent actual medieval roads and travel routes connecting towns, rivers, and regions across Britain.
This study sheds light on the strategic importance of roads in facilitating imperial power and highlights key locations such as London, Leicester, and Winchester. The findings enhance our understanding of Roman influence and infrastructure in Britain and how they shaped medieval travel networks. The research demonstrates the potential of combining ancient maps with modern technology to uncover socio-economic patterns that influenced movement and trade during the medieval period.