Recent evidence suggests that infrastructure put in place by the Roman empire over 2,000 years ago might have lasting economic consequences to this day. In this Vox Talks, Tim Phillips talks to Pablo Selaya about his recent research on the persistence of historical public goods provision, in the form of road network development in Roman times. The specific features of these roads - originally built for military access into newly-conquered territories - meant the transport network grew to be uniquely extensive and efficient, with lasting benefits for economic development.