A systematic communications network originating in the Italian peninsula joining Rome to its expanding empire. The Appian Way was the first major stretch, leading into Samnite territory. The Via Flaminia, constructed in 220 bc was the great northern highway to Rimini. For travellers landing from Brindisi the Egnatian Way continued overland through Greece and on to Byzantium. By the 1st century ad three roads crossed the Alps and the Domitian Way went from the Rhône valley to Spain. Every province had such roads which served military and commercial purposes. In Britain major highways fanned out from Londinium (London), some now known by their Anglo-Saxon names: Watling Street and Ermine Street. Designed with several thick layers they were drained by side ditches, and maintained by engineers.