✅ It's true that the standard U.S. railroad gauge is similar in width to the wheel spacing of Roman chariots. ❌ That similarity is based much more on coincidence and inherent physical limitations than a direct line of imitation.
What's False
Because that's the way they built them in England, and the US railroads were built by English expatriates. So who built those old rutted roads? The first long distance roads in Europe were built by Imperial Rome for their legions. The roads have been used ever since. And the ruts in the roads? Roman war chariots first formed the initial ruts, which everyone else had to match for fear of destroying their wagon wheels. Since the chariots were made for Imperial Rome, they were all alike in the matter of wheel spacing.
So, rather than going into excruciating detail about the history of transportation, we'll simply note that roads are built to accommodate whatever uses them, and that for many centuries prior to the advent of railroads, what traveled on roads were mostly wheeled conveyances, pulled by beasts of burden , carrying passengers and goods.
England, the innovator in railroad technology, enjoyed an early head start over America.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
1-year-old struck, killed by train, officials sayAccording to a report, the child was stationary on railroad tracks in Missouri shortly before 9 a.m.
Read more »
You Won't Believe What Scientists Found in an Ancient Roman RuinWhen you're poking around ancient ruins, you probably expect to find a few artifacts or the bits and pieces left behind by the people who lived and worked there long ago.
Read more »
Diver unexpectedly discovers Roman-era shipwreck carrying beautiful marble columns off Israel's coastA diver off the coast of Israel discovered an 1,800-year-old Roman shipwreck containing 44 tons of artifacts.
Read more »
Roman Roy Fans Didn’t Take His “Daenerys” Turn WellThis has been a particularly tough turn of events for Roman’s most devoted fans.
Read more »
The Family Prepares for Logan Roy's Funeral in 'Succession' Season 4 Episode 9 TrailerThe trailer for Succession Season 4 Episode 9 shows the family preparing for Logan Roy's funeral.
Read more »
USD Index retreats from 5-week tops near 102.80The USD Index (DXY), which gauges the greenback vs. a basket of its main competitors, trades slightly on the defensive after hitting new 5-week highs
Read more »