Decumanus Maximus

• The Decumanus Maximus was the main east-west road that intersected the Cardo Maximus in a Roman town or fort.

Roman Town Planning

• All Roman towns, cities and forts had a grid system of streets based on two intersecting roads:
  • Cardo Maximus
    • Also known as the Cardo, this was the main north-south road.
    • In a Fort, this road was called the Via Principalis.
  • Decumanus Maximus
    • was the main east-west road that intersected the Cardo.
    • In a Fort, this was known as the Via Praetoria.
  • Roman Forum
    • Every Roman town or city had a Forum placed at the intersection of these two main roads.
    • In a Fort, this was known as the Principia.