Listing settlements and distances: The Emona-Singidunum road in Tabula Peutingeriana, Itinerarium Antonini and Itinerarium Burdigalense

Our contribution is focused on the analysis and interpretation of several pieces of historical data regarding the Emona–Singidunum road along the Drava River, from three important ancient documents: Itinerarium Burdigalense sive Hierosolymitanum, Tabula Peutingeriana and Itinerarium Antonini. The key question of this study is: can the Bordeaux itinerary bring more light to the question of the sources of these ancient documents? If so, which method should be used to prove this? Therefore, we decided to compare data from the Peutinger map and the Antonine itinerary with those contained in the Bordeaux itinerary, by discussing a sector of the Aquileia–Viminacium road, more precisely, the route between Emona and Siscia. The objective was to see if there are resemblances or differences between these documents. After this comparative analysis of the three ancient sources, we reached some general conclusions and observations concerning these documents. The most important observation is that the structure of the Bordeaux itinerary along the Emona–Singidunum route reveals a careful planning of the main Roman road infrastructure during the 4th century A.D. (corresponding to the reorganisation of the official state transport, cursus publicus) and before this time. Why did the pilgrim choose the Emona–Poetovio–Sirmium–Singidunum road (along the Drava River), which measures 398 miles, instead of the Emona–Siscia–Sirmium–Singidunum road, along the Sava River, which is shorter (approximately 340 miles)? We suppose the answer is based on the full understanding of the infrastructure along the Drava River. This road could provide better travelling conditions for those officials who travelled using cursus publicus. However, we think the answer is based on another important issue. Using the official transportation system, the pilgrim chose the ‘official’ road.