List Of The World's Oldest Roads - Connect2ConnectOnline September 29, 2025

The Earliest Roads were created to allow people, trade, armies, and pilgrims to cover long distances.

A lot of the roads we travel on today trace back to ancient times, whether it’s a path that was walked long ago or a route used by traders.

Over the years, some of these roads have been altered, rebuilt, or partially preserved, yet they still narrate tales of human movement, culture, and engineering from hundreds to thousands of years ago.

1)Via Augusta

Named after Emperor Augustus, this Roman road linked Cadiz (in Andalusia) to the north through Catalonia, heading toward the Pyrenees and Rome.

It was crucial for transporting soldiers, goods, and culture throughout Roman Hispania.

These ancient roads that still exist in some form show that people have always been on the move, looking for trade, knowledge, faith, or a better life.

Many of these routes have altered or disappeared in places, they continue to serve as living reminders of our history.

2)The Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail

This trail has connected Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan in Hong Kong for hundreds of years.

It used to be a tough route for villagers and traders.

Even today, in the midst of the bustling city, some sections of the trail are still lush and peaceful – allowing walkers to experience history beneath their feet.

3)The Persian Royal Road

Commissioned by Darius the Great in the early part of the 5th century BC, this impressive road linked Sardis (Turkey) to Susa (Iran) back in the day.

***Persian Royal Road, Turkey to Iran***

It enabled quick communication throughout the Persian Empire and was utilized by couriers.

Remnants can still be found along its ancient route.

4)The Road to Giza

This road is regarded as one of the oldest paved roads in the history of the world. It has been in use for over 4,000 years.

Spanning approximately 7.5 miles (about 12 km), it links the southwest of Cairo to Lake Moeris, which connects to the Nile.

In ancient times, builders used this road to haul massive limestone blocks for constructing the pyramids of Giza.

Today, only sections of the ancient path are left, but its historical significance remains robust.

5)The King’s Highway

This old path was significant during both biblical and classical eras.

Stretching from Egypt, through Sinai, to Syria, the Highway connected numerous pilgrimage locations, trade hubs, and cultural hotspots.

Sections of the road are still in use today in contemporary nations.

6)The Nakasendo Highway

The Nakasendo Highway, which was constructed in Japan, goes all the way back to the 17th century, but it’s thought to be based on even older routes.

It stretches about 310 miles between Kyoto and Edo (now known as Tokyo).

Back in the day, people traveled on foot or by horse since wagons were pretty uncommon.

Nowadays, hikers can still trek along certain sections of this historic path, encountering old inns and rural landscapes that look much like they did hundreds of years ago.

7)The Khmer Highway

The Khmer Highway, originally constructed to link Angkor in Cambodia with Phimai in Thailand, stretches about 225 km.

It was a key part of the road system of the Khmer Empire.

Nature has taken over many sections of the highway, you can still spot temple ruins and remnants of the road along the way.

8)The Ridgeway

The Ridgeway is among the oldest roads in Britain.

It forms part of the Icknield Way, with parts that have been in use for over 5,000 years.

Initially, it was a path for traders, travelers, and druids, stretching across the uplands from southern to eastern England.

Nowadays, this route is safeguarded and primarily used for hiking and discovering ancient sites, rather than serving as a key travel path.

9)The Silk Road

The Silk Road, one of the most renowned and bustling ancient trade routes, linked Rome in the west to Chang’an (now known as Xi’an, China) in the east.

It began around 200 BC and played a vital role in trade for many centuries, transporting silk, various goods, ideas, religions, and technology.

Sections of this network of paths and roads can still be seen today, particularly in Central Asia and along the borders of different countries.

All these roads can transport you back to a magnificent past.

Exploring or learning about them helps us appreciate how long our travels have been and how significantly those old paths influenced the modern world.

DISCLAIMER: This article is derived from information available in the public domain.