Since the time of Emperor Augustus, who established the cursus publicus, the postal system designed to control and manage the vast territory of the Empire, to allow mail to move profitably within the Roman road network, it had been necessary to find somewhere to stay overnight, find refreshment and change horses.
These needs were met by the mansiones, unique structures whose name derives from the Latin verb manere, meaning to stop or to stay. They were placed at various distances from each other, but could generally be reached by travellers within a day’s walk.
The mansio of Sophiana was located along one of these routes, listed in the
Antonine Itinerary
, a public road that connected Agrigento to Catania then continued towards Rome.
