Episode 251: All Roads Lead to Rome

 

This week Shauna and Dan explore why all roads lead to Rome. Bonus: 80s music, abstract art, and miles to McDonalds.

 

Bunny Trails: A Word History Podcast
Episode 251: All Roads Lead to Rome
Record Date: October 21, 2024
Air Date: October 23, 2024

Intro

Dan:
Welcome to Bunny Trails, a whimsical adventure of idioms and other turns of phrase.

I’m Dan Pugh

Shauna:
And I’m Shauna Harrison

Each week we take an idiom or other turn of phrase and try to tell the story from its entry into the English language, to how it’s used today.

Opening Hook
Last week, I took a 'shortcut' and ended up driving in circles for half an hour. Missed my turn twice, argued with the GPS, but hey, I still made it to the store... eventually. So, I guess it’s true what they say - all roads do lead to Rome.

Meaning

According to Oxford English Dictionary, “all roads lead to rome” means

Quote
there are many different ways of reaching the same goal or conclusion
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/rome_n?tab=meaning_and_use#25238619

So, how did a simple fact about Roman engineering become a metaphor for life?

312 B.C.E.
It might sound like an exaggeration to say “all roads lead to Rome” but in the ancient world, this was literally true. The Romans built some 50,000 miles - that’s around 80,000 kilometers - of roads stretching from Britain, through Spain and Northern Africa, and east to the Danube River and Tigris-Euphrates River System. The first great road, the Appian Way, was built in 312 B.C.E. Emperor Caesar Augustus erected a monument called the Milliarium Aureum - or golden milestone - in Rome's central forum, and the distances along all of those 50,000 miles were measured from that point, which was also the point at which all of the main Roman roads diverged. If looking from above, the roads extending from this point resemble the spokes of a wheel. It  is possible to see and even travel along portions of the Appian Way or Via Appia, which connected Rome to Brindisi, Italy, despite the road being constructed more than 2,000 years ago.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/508316/Roman-road-system
https://italianstudies.nd.edu/news/26040-all-roads-lead-to-rome-new-acquisitions-relating-to-the-eternal-city/
https://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/10-expressions-from-ancient-world.htm

Appia was the first of 29 roads that extended out from Rome. Accounts of travel along the Appia began with the Latin poet Horace around 35 B.C.E. and many have written about it since.

Our phrase, however, does not appear in print for another millenia - ish.

[a1413 (c1385)
Around 1385, Geoffrey Chaucer penned the tale Troilus & Criseyde. It's hard to pinpoint exactly when the realization that the physical roads near or through most cities led to Rome shifted into the more figurative idea that there are many ways to accomplish the same goal. However, the idea is expressed in Chaucer’s work. I’m going to read the excerpt and then we’ll look at the translation so we can all understand it.

Quote
Euery wyght whiche that to rome went Halt nat al o path or alwey o manere.
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/rome_n?tab=meaning_and_use#25238619

Wyght was a term that meant person. So this would translate to:
“Every person who went to Rome - did not follow the same path or method.”

[c1400 (1391)
Chaucer also uses the concept in the introduction to his work Treatise on Astrolabe, which he penned around 1391.
Quote
Ryht as diuerse pathes leden diuerse folk the rihte wey to Roome.
Right as diverse paths lead diverse folk the right way to Rome.
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/rome_n?tab=meaning_and_use#25238619

Chaucer is fairly well-known for metaphor and allegory in his writing. And while he may not have been the first to express this concept, he has held the attention of enough people to have quickly and continually spread the idea into the world. The idea appeared in various letters and writings during the 1500s and 1600s. But it was in the 1700s that the phrase started to take on a solid form.

1795
The piece we will consider for this is The Correspondence of Baron Armfelt and the Other Conspirators Against the Swedish Government: Translated from the Swedish Copy Published by the Government at Stockholm, by Gustaf Mauritz ARMFELT, dated 1795. The excerpt is from a letter dated 15 March 1793 from M. Ehrenfrom to Baron Armfelt.

Quote
I do not know how you will understand the communication Mademoiselle Rudenshiold has made me of your memorable remarks of the 22d February, containing your ideas on a revolution in Sweden; but I assure you that they have afforded me the greatest satisfaction, and that I adopt them with my heart and soul. I have expressed the same approbation to Mademoiselle Rudenskiold, and begged her to follow your orders with all the care she is mistress of. One of the four papers inclosed in my letter to Vienna, will have given you my ideas on the same subject. They do not advert to the expedient, which I own had scarcely occurred to me, of bringing over the Duke by the means of money. But this difference in the choice of our means ought not to stop our career. All roads lead to Rome.
End quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Correspondence_of_Baron_Armfelt_and/IatbAAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22all+roads+lead+to+rome%22&pg=PA67&printsec=frontcover


1874
Individuals interested in the past have looked to Rome basically since it was built. This was no different for John Henry Parker who discussed the marvels of Roman invention in his 1874 work, The Archaeology of Rome, Volume 1, Issue 1.

Quote
At S. Passera remains of the pavement of the old road may be seen with the substructure, and at Pian due Torri are remains of some tombs.

The mere inspection of the remains of the roads of the ancient Romans is sufficient to show that there is no exaggeration in the words of Strabo and Dionysius,-that their roads, with their aqueducts and their drains, were among the wonders of the world. These roads were not merely paved with polygonal blocks of basaltic lava', but also, to make them as short as possible, they were carried in straight lines over hill and dale, the tops of the hills cut through by deep trenches, as we see still in many places, for these great works of antiquity can never be effaced; or carried across valleys on embankments when necessary, as we may also see. By means of these roads or streets (via), placed under the inspection of persons of distinction called Curatores viarum, the Romans in their capital city could communicate with the principal cities of the world as then known; so that it became a true proverb, that "all roads lead to Rome."

Another invention, entirely Roman, was, and is still, of the greatest convenience everywhere, that of putting a cippus, or milliarium, or milestone, with the number upon it at each mile on every high road. This happy invention we owe, according to Plutarch, to the Tribune Caius Gracchus.
End quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Archaeology_of_Rome/akvQAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22all+roads+lead+to+rome%22&pg=RA1-PA191&printsec=frontcover


1913
The sun, December 14, 1913, out of New York [N.Y., contained a full-page article, predominantly comprised of two large images of sights in the city of New York. The page is titled, New Boulevard and Completed Museum. The second image is of the Natural History Museum, which was a cool little historical tidbit to find as I was searching. It is the caption for the first image, however, that contains our phrase.

Quote
Boulevard to Connect City Hall Park with the Manhattan Bridge Plaza.
“All roads lead to Rome.” The proposed boulevard from City Hall to Manhattan Bridge. This spacious driveway, picturesquely parked along its entire route, is to provide a fitting approach from the new Manhattan Bridge to the vicinity of City Hall.
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030272/1913-12-14/ed-1/seq-88/#date1=1756&index=0&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=All+lead+roads+Rome&proxdistance=5&date2=1963&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=all+roads+lead+to+rome&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1


1917
The Irish standard, October 27, 1917, out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, contains a short article discussing the Catholic Church. This particular excerpt is a good example of the phrase being used figuratively.

Quote
All Roads Lead to Rome
The Catholic Church takes man as she finds him, adapting herself to all moods and circumstances; she becomes all things to all, that she may win all. She draws the man of science through nature to nature’s God. She appeals to the artist through his art; to the philosopher through his reason; to the man of feeling and imagination through his emotions - for all roads lead to Rome.
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn90059959/1917-10-27/ed-1/seq-7/#date1=1756&index=5&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=all+ALL+lead+LEAD+ROADS+roads+ROME+Rome&proxdistance=5&date2=1963&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=all+roads+lead+to+rome&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1

1962
The phrase made its way to the fashion scene in the ad section of the  October 28, 1962 edition of the Evening star, out of Washington, D.C.

Quote
Viva Italia!
By Eleni
Star Fashion Editor
Ambassador Sergio Fenoaltea of Italy, in remarks that opened recent Italy-on-the-Potomac ceremonies, spoke of Italy’s “economic miracle.”
Part of the great comeback in the economy of Italy is laid directly at the door of her talented fashion designers whose imagination, beauty of design and high fashion appeal made all roads lead to Rome.
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045462/1962-10-28/ed-1/seq-57/#date1=1756&index=4&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=all+lead+roads+Rome&proxdistance=5&date2=1963&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=all+roads+lead+to+rome&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1

Italy's influence on fashion has clearly stood the test of time, and this 1962 ad in The Evening Star captures a moment when that influence was being formally recognized. Ambassador Sergio Fenoaltea’s remark that fashion made "all roads lead to Rome" speaks to the global reach of Italy’s designers, whose creativity and style helped drive an economic resurgence. And looking at Italy today—still a hub for high fashion and luxury—it's clear that the statement was more than just clever phrasing. It was a nod to a lasting legacy.

We have several modern uses to cover and we’ll get to those, right after we say thank you to our sponsors.

A Quick Thank You
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Modern Uses


1982
All Roads Lead to Rome is a 1982 song by The Stranglers, from their album, Feline. Here are the lyrics,

Quote
The endless games played in the timeless zone
Remind me all roads lead to Rome.
Inside the wall of the citadel
Yellow chariots race
Peasants and their peasants' smells
Hungry to touch your frightened face.
All roads lead to Rome
End quote
https://youtu.be/Ofm6lDANps4?si=-HY6Q2tqVyJL1ei1

Like any good 80s song, the last line repeats… several times.


2012
All Roads Lead to Rome is a song from Steve Hackett’s 2012 The Rome Pro(G)ject. Project is spelled p-r-o-G in parentheses-j-e-c-t. This is an instrumental, progressive rock song. Here is a little bit from the official website,

Quote
"The Rome Pro(G)ject featuring Steve Hackett and John Hackett" is a 500 copies limited cd single released on … October 2012.

It features "Down to the Domus Aurea", written by Steve and italian composer and producer Vincenzo Ricca and "Towards the future" written by John Hackett and Vincenzo Ricca as well.

Both tracks come in a different version to the ones featured in the forthcoming cd album titled "The Rome Pro(G)ject".

… this instrumental concept album, celebrating Rome in its 2765th anniversary, is enhanced by the marvellous talents of prog glories such as Francesco Di Giacomo (Banco), David Cross (King Crimson), David Jackson (VDGG), Richard Sinclair (Caravan, Camel), Nick Magnus, the Hackett brothers and other friends.
End quote
https://youtu.be/pFR3pUFBnQQ?si=wg1ykgODF7lXvOQT
https://www.hackettsongs.com/news/newsGeneral48.html


2016
All Roads Lead to Rome is a 2016 movie starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Raoul Bova, Rosie Day, and Claudia Cardinale.

Quote
Maggie is an uptight, single mother and college writing teacher from New York City. In an effort to reconnect with her troubled teen daughter Summer, she decides to embark on a journey to a Tuscan village where she frequented in her younger days. Upon arrival, Maggie runs into Luca, a handsome former lover who is still a bachelor and lives with his eighty-year-old mother, Carmen. Summer (missing her "bad boy" boyfriend in NYC) and Carmen (secretly planning a wedding against Luca's wishes to Marcelino, her one true love in Rome) impulsively steal Luca's car and race off to Rome. Maggie and Luca quickly pursue allowing the two mismatched couples to spend some time together and develop a new understanding of each other.
End quote
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/all_roads_lead_to_rome_2008
https://youtu.be/Pl0gNXoPrUs?si=8hjrLfcgmhcfvQao

2022
In our exploration of this phrase, I’d like to turn to a modern-day look at the legacy of these ancient paths. Nina Strochlic’s article, published in June 2022, sheds light on the preservation efforts surrounding a Roman-era ‘superhighway.’ With stunning visuals captured by Andrea Frazzetta, this piece not only dives into the historical significance but also highlights the current challenges of keeping such relics intact. Here is a little from the article,

Quote
The Appian Way symbolized the Roman Empire’s might. Now Italy is restoring the ancient road, hoping to create a pilgrimage route through history. There’s a McDonald’s on the outskirts of Rome where, after ordering a pancetta-laden Big Mac, you can peer through the glass floor and see—a few yards below—flat, gray paving stones of an ancient Roman road and twisted skeletons embedded in a two-millennia-old gutter.
These are remnants of an offshoot of Europe’s first major highway, the Appian Way.
End quote
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/reviving-europes-first-superhighway

The Via Appia was the first of the major roads leading to Rome. It has witnessed over 2000 years of human drama! We are going to delve into it a little more in our behind the scenes. You can check out our behind the scenes videos every Friday on Patreon, that’s patreon.com/bunnytrailpod.

2022
Also from 2022 is the song All Roads Lead to Rome. This one is in a completely different style than the last song we looked at. This has a mellow vibe - guitar and bass and chill vocals. I quite like it. The youtube video states that it was recorded live at Tresorfabrik in Duisburg during the making of Jaimi Faulkner's Album 'Allen Keys and Broken Bits'. Here is what the artist shared,

Quote
 'ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME' is one that I am extremely proud of and one that marks a milestone in my career.
Over the last years I've been contemplating how I can become a better artist and improve my craft - during these musings, the one theme that I keep returning to is that of 'honesty.'
I know you have all experienced moments, when listening to music, where all the hairs on your skin stand up on end. Moments like these only occur when you are so connected or deeply touched by a piece of music that you cannot help but feel it emotionally and also physically!
Traditionally the music that has that effect on me has always been raw, rough, heartfelt, gutsy music. Music that is delivered in such a way that I truly believe the performer! Music that speaks a truth.
For me, 'All Roads Lead To Rome' sits in this space. It's a heart on your sleeve love song that isn't coated in sugar yet is told 'warts and all' about a love that is not always easy - a love that even through every difficulty bears a silver lining.
End quote
https://youtu.be/oEMnrjWavac?si=K1MdbS_PCuFi25qn

2023
All Roads Lead to Rome is an Acrylic on Canvas Painting by Jill Dowell of France. The description of the abstract piece on Saatchiart reads,

Quote
The highest quality professional paints were used. Palette knives were used to create this lightly textured painting. A signed and dated Certificate of Authenticity is included. The painting is signed.
…
Because no matter what path we take, we always end up where we're meant to be.
End quote
https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-All-Roads-Lead-to-Rome/542308/11112471/view

There are a few different methods used and bold elements of color and line - some more contained while other aspects feel mildly chaotic… yet, all roads as they say.


Current
Author Sabrina Fedel is currently on tour for her book, All Roads Lead to Rome, published in June of 2024. The book has been placed into the categories of: Teen & Young Adult Fiction, Teen & Young Adult Romance, and Teen & Young Adult Social Issues. Here is the synopsis from Penguin Random House,

Quote
When the daughter of a diplomat fake dates a Scottish celebrity in Italy, she soon finds herself living her own Roman Holiday until the feelings get real and the paparazzi’s knives come out.
End quote
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/727042/all-roads-lead-to-rome-by-sabrina-fedel/



Wrap up:
The phrase "All Roads Lead to Rome" has endured because it speaks to something universal—the idea that no matter the path, we all find our way. It’s a reminder that our journeys, however different, are connected. That’s what makes it so powerful: it ties us back to history, to the roads that once guided people physically, and now guide us in our own ways toward whatever we’re pursuing. It’s a phrase that gives space for individuality while recognizing the different ways we move forward. I hope that we can all embrace the unique paths we take - creating our own stories and enriching all of our experiences.

Shauna:
That’s about all we have for today. If you have any thoughts on the show, or pop culture references we should have included, reach out to us on Patreon, patreon.com/bunnytrailspod, or comment on our website, bunnytrailspod.com


Dan:

It’s patron poll time!

Recently we asked our Patrons,

Which embarrassing thing are you most likely to do?

Two uncomfortable incidents rose to the top of the votes. It seems our listeners are most likely to either:

Trip in front of a crowd, or Experience a wardrobe malfunction

Some of the other votes included “Forget someone's name” and “Spill your drink on someone”.

I’m definitely in the wardrobe malfunction camp… I always keep a spare pair of pants with me at work in case I rip the ones I'm wearing, which has happened on numerous occasions because I wear clothes until they fall apart. One time I ripped my pants right in the butt when teaching in front of a classroom of adults. I finished the unit making sure I kept my back to most folks and grabbed my bag while heading to the bathroom to change. I was embarrassed but also was so proud of myself for covering it so no one noticed! Except a year later I had one of those students in a different class and they told me how the class thought it was super professional yet hilarious how I ripped my pants in class and then played it off like nothing had happened. I was so embarrassed - again!

Shauna

Heather shared
Quote
I've had many wardrobe malfunctions too embarrassing to name-but one I still remember over a decade later is the time I managed to somehow walk myself out of my shoe on the way to a job interview. I had to hop back several steps like an unlucky Cinderella.
End quote

I love that story, Heather!

Shauna
I’m one of those people that are quirky and cute as a gimmick in a tv show or movie but probably really annoying in real life. I trip on things, fall flat on my face occasionally - once while I was in Rome, actually… I also run into a lot of doorways. Like, the door is open - but still, I run into the frame of the door somehow. I also spill things.

I once spilled coffee all over the conference table during a meeting. I’d worked with most of the team for a while, but the new hire was shocked as I quickly saved my laptop and moved my neighbor's phone aside to swipe most of the coffee back into my cup. The rest of the team barely reacted and just continued the meeting - because I guess they’re used to my clumsiness.

By far, the worst was when I was working as a server at one of those 24-hour breakfast spots. I was carrying a tray of waters to a 12-top when I managed to tip the entire 160 ounces of ice water onto a young woman who was - unfortunately - wearing white.

Dan:
JGP said
Quote
I forget people's names so often, it's not even embarrassing for me anymore. I'm more surprised if I remember a name!
End quote

Jan added
Quote
I'm bad with remembering people's names, so that's going to be the one.
End quote


As a reminder, our silly polls mean absolutely nothing and are not scientifically valid. And patrons of all levels, including our free tiers, can take part. Head over to patreon.com/bunnytrailspod to take this week’s poll!

Outro

Dan:
Thanks for joining us. We’ll talk to you again next week. Until then remember,

Together:
Words belong to their users.