To walk on remnants of the storied Appian Way today, from Rome to the heel of Italy, is to walk in the footsteps of ghosts. Our guide to those ghosts-and the layers of history they represent-is Robert A. Kaster. In The Appian Way, he brings a lifetime of studying Roman literature and history to his adventures along the ancient highway. A footsore Roman soldier pushing the imperial power south; craftsmen and farmers bringing their goods to the towns that lined the road; pious pilgrims headed to Jerusalem-all come to life once more as Kaster travels what's left of the Appian Way. He invites us to close our eyes and trek with him back in time, to the campaigns of Garibaldi, the revolt of Spartacus, and the glory days of Imperial Rome. No traveler will want to miss this fascinating journey.

"Layer upon layer, Italy's storied past unfolds in Kaster's captivating journey along the venerable Queen of Roads. I cannot imagine a more perfect guide to such a rich trove of ancient and modern memories. Illuminating, erudite, entertaining, and evocative." (Adrienne Mayor, author of The Poison King: The Life and Legend of Mithradates, Rome's Deadliest Enemy) "How many Great Pyramids match the amount of earth moved to make the greatest Roman road? More than you think-until you have read Kaster's The Appian Way: Ghost Road, Queen of Roads, a work of erudite classical commentary as well as excellent advice for travelers today." (Peter Stothard, author of On the Spartacus Road: A Journey through Ancient Italy) "A wonderful preface for any traveler planning an outdoorsy day in Rome or, especially, a trip through southern Italy. Kaster's enthusiasm for the road and the people (past and present) who populate it is contagious." (Booklist)"

Robert A. Kaster is professor of classics and the Kennedy Foundation Professor of Latin at Princeton University.