Via Devana

(1st–5th c.) Via Devana was a Roman road running roughly 200 miles from Colchester (Colonia Victricensis, the oldest Roman city in Britain) through Cambridge to Chester (ancient Deva). [1][2] The road linked major Roman military centres and was primarily constructed for military purposes rather than civilian use. [1] Its name derives from Chester's Latin name Deva, meaning "The Chester Road." [1] Following the Roman withdrawal from Britain in 407 AD, the road fell into disuse and is now difficult to trace, especially in northern sections. [1] The name "Via Devana" was coined in the 18th century by Charles Mason, a Cambridge scholar. [1]