Via Egnatia was an ancient Roman road that connected the eastern and western parts of the Roman Empire. It stretched approximately 1,120 kilometers (about 700 miles) from Dyrrachium (modern-day Durrës, Albania) to Byzantium (now Istanbul, Turkey). The road facilitated trade, military movement, and cultural exchange across the region. Constructed in the 2nd century BCE, Via Egnatia played a crucial role in the development of the Balkans and Anatolia. It passed through key cities such as Thessalonica and Philippi, serving as a vital artery for commerce and communication. Today, remnants of the road can still be seen in various locations along its route.