Belgium - The Bavay-Tongeren section of the Boulogne-Cologne Roman road lies on the territory of the Walloon Region

The Bavay-Tongeren Roman Road is a section of one of the major axes of Northern Gaul that connected two strategic points, the North Sea from Boulogne to the Rhine in Cologne.

In order to ensure the control of the territory after the conquest of Gaul by Caesar, the Romans began the creation of a network of roads articulated around the cities, chief places of cities. Work began in northern Gaul around the year 20 BC. From Rome and Lyon, capital of Gaul, two major axes joined on the one hand Reims and Boulogne and on the other hand Trier and Cologne, borders of the Empire and the Germanic kingdoms. A transverse connection was established between the two extreme points of the newly administered areas. It was to allow the connection between the central power of Rome and the administrative or strategic centers of the provinces. It ensured an easy and secure movement of armies, the imperial post office and supplies. For this, she had to meet the requirements of her role and therefore be practicable in any season, be fast and safe. Stability and drainage are two key concerns.