Roman roads used to move of officials, civilians, armies, and trade. Ways of the Empire were of different kinds, varying from small provincial roads to broad, long-distance roadways built to unite large cities, chief towns and military posts. These significant roads were surfaced with stone and metaled, cambered for drainage, and were flanked by walkways, bridle path and drainage trenches. They were set along ideally studied courses, and some were made through hills, canyons and rivers.