The control of the Empire was made possible through the development of a dense network of communication routes across land. The construction of these roads and their maintenance demonstrate the high standard of Roman engineering. Along these Roman ways travelled the goods and the legions that imposed the power of Rome. The Via Augusta crossed Catalonia, following natural routes from Salses and La Jonquera to the lands on the other side of the Ebre River. Numerous cities grew up alongside this main route that linked Hispania with Rome, and became active agents in the control and Romanisation of the territory.