Inns are buildings where travellers can seek lodging and, usually, food and drink. They are typically located in the country or along a highway. In Europe, they possibly first sprang up when the Romans built a system of roads two millennia ago.[citation needed] Some inns in Europe are several centuries old. In addition to providing for the needs of travellers, inns traditionally acted as community gathering places.
Where is an inn typically located? In addition to providing for the needs of travelers what was another typical use for an inn? How old are some of the inns in Europe? Aside from lodging, what amenities are often offered at inns? What road is an inn often located near? How many thousand years ago did the Romans build their road system? About how old are the oldest inns in Europe? What role did inns serve other than housing travelers?