Roman roads were equipped with everything necessary for long journeys. In fact, every ten miles or so, mutationes and mansiones, 'ante-litteram' rest stops, were located along the routes. The mutationes were changing stations for the horses, which were also equipped with veterinary surgeons. They also had a small tavern. The mansiones, on the other hand, were much larger service stations offering amenities such as food, accommodation and even thermal baths. The mansiones were so important that towns developed around some of them.
Todd Brizendine