There’s more than one way to run a road network. It’s all down to what technology you have.

Originally shared by Isaac Kuo

World-building – Technology Loss vs Technology Adaption

Roman roads were built to last. The stone and concrete roads remained usable for generations of neglect. But when they finally became unusable, the knowledge and institutions required to rebuild them were already long lost. People returned to walking on foot or horseriding (for the rich) for centuries.

Chinese roads might not have been as durable, but this ironically made Chinese road building more durable. Rather than losing the knowledge and institutions, these roads adapted to shrinking budgets. If it was too expensive to maintain full width roads, narrow roads could be maintained instead. The Chinese wheelbarrow would be an efficient transport and transportation vehicle for centuries while Europeans were walking and struggling with massive teams of traction animals.

Both of these ideas are great inspiration for world-building…

http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2011/12/the-chinese-wheelbarrow.html

http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2011/12/the-chinese-wheelbarrow.html