Cardo

A cardo (pl.: cardines) was an important street in ancient Roman cities and military camps. It ran from north to south and helped plan these places.

The main north-south street was called the cardo maximus. It was usually the most important road in the city.

This type of street helped organize Roman towns and camps. It made travel easier and helped cities grow in an orderly way.

The cardo was one of two main streets — the other being the decumanus, which ran east to west. Together, they formed a cross that divided the city into sections, much like a grid.

Etymology

The word "cardo" comes from Latin and means "hinge". Just like a hinge helps doors turn, the word cardo was also used for important turning points, such as the North Pole or the four main directions on a map. In ancient Roman cities, the main north-south street was called the cardo. This street was like the spine of the city, around which everything else was built.

Many Roman cities also had another important street called the decumanus maximus, which ran east to west. Usually, the cardo was the main street, but in some places with different landscapes, the decumanus might have been more important instead. The busy center of the city, called the forum, was often near where these two streets crossed. This way of planning cities with straight streets crossing each other was created by the ancient Greek architect and urban planner Hippodamus of Miletus.

Examples

Apamea, Syria

In Apamea, Syria, the main north-to-south street, called the cardo maximus, ran through the center of the city. It connected the main gates and was once lined with many special columns. This wide street was used for carts and lasted from the 2nd century until earthquakes damaged it much later.

Cologne, Germany

In Cologne, Germany, streets like Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse still follow the paths of ancient Roman streets.

Jerash, Jordan

Excavations in Jerash, Jordan, uncovered parts of an ancient Roman city, including a main colonnaded street. Parts of the original road surface are still visible.

Jerusalem

Main article: The Cardo (Jerusalem)

When Hadrian visited Judea, he decided to build a Roman town called Colonia Aelia Capitolina. The town was laid out with straight streets, including a main north-to-south road called the cardo maximus. This wide street started near the Damascus Gate and had covered walkways on each side for people and shops. Later, the street was extended to connect to important places. Parts of this ancient street can still be seen today.

Beit She'an, Israel

Beit She'an, Israel, was an important Roman city with a central north-to-south street, along with temples, theaters, and other public buildings.

Beirut, Lebanon

In ancient Berytus, now Beirut, Lebanon, parts of the main north-to-south street were found during excavations. This street once had tall columns on each side and connected important areas of the city.

Poreč, Croatia

In Poreč, Croatia, the main streets still follow the paths of the ancient Roman cardo maximus and decumanus.