Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

What illustrates the lasting influence of Rome on European infrastructure?

1. The establishment of medieval castles

2. The development of major highways along Roman routes

3. The creation of feudal systems

4. The spread of Christianity through Europe

The correct answer is: The development of major highways along Roman routes

The lasting influence of Rome on European infrastructure is most clearly illustrated by the development of major highways along Roman routes. The Roman Empire was renowned for its advanced road-building techniques, which facilitated trade, communication, and military movement across vast distances. After the fall of the Roman Empire, these roads remained crucial for transportation. Many modern European highways trace their origins back to the meticulously constructed Roman roads, which were known for their durability and engineering precision. This continuity in infrastructure demonstrates how Roman innovations have persisted and adapted through the centuries, forming the backbone of European transportation networks today. Other choices relate to different aspects of society or governance rather than infrastructure. The establishment of medieval castles, while influenced in part by the need for defense, reflects a shift in feudalism and socio-political structures rather than Roman engineering. The creation of feudal systems pertains more to societal organization than infrastructure. Similarly, the spread of Christianity, while significant in a cultural context, doesn't directly tie to the physical infrastructure that Romans developed and is not indicative of their lasting architectural and engineering influence.