Long-Distance Trade Routes of Northern India on the Peutinger Map

Since its surprising appearance in the early 16th century, the so-called Peutinger map has raised many questions. Above all, since then it has been very difficult for experts to provide answers as to the time of origin of a certainly antique model for it and a reasonable identification of numerous localities recorded on it. In this respect, this study focuses on the segment of the scroll map, which has been given the consecutive number XII. This section depicts, among other regions, ancient India and this eastern area is also the main focus of this study. Analysis results suggest that a very subjective view found its representation on this part of the Peutinger Map. In particular, limited knowledge of the ancient Indian road network in terms of both contemporary history and culture has been incorporated into the presentation. Nevertheless, it can offer new insights into the major roads on the subcontinent at that time, which we know from literature under the terms Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha. Unexpected for the author was the topicality of events described in the study after finishing work on this article. So are the worldwide effects of a pandemic in the Roman Empire and beyond in a globalised world of the 2nd century CE also addressed in this study.