Maty Posted March 16, 2012 Report Share Posted March 16, 2012 The impression I got from discussion with road users of animal drawn vehicles in Eastern Europe and Africa is that over a longer journey even a modern tarmac road causes considerable discomfort for any animal that is not properly shod - and of course this includes oxen. Apparently there's a risk of blood blisters forming under the hoof, and of the hoof cracking. Therefore my impression was that Roman roads were primarily for foot traffic (especially military)and there was probably space at the side of the road for wheeled vehicles - pretty much the opposite of the modern system. However, shorter journeys on a harder surface were acceptable, so wheeled traffic could move onto this surface as required - e.g. bridges and towns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dickonbard Posted March 17, 2012 Report Share Posted March 17, 2012 Interesting. I'd come across the hoof-cracking problem, but not the blood blisters. Sounds horrible! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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