What feature characterized the planning of ancient Roman cities?

The planning of ancient Roman cities is notably characterized by symmetry and order. This organization was reflected in their grid layouts, which often included a cardo (the north-south oriented road) and a decumanus (the east-west oriented road), intersecting at the forum, the center of civic life. These roads were designed to create a thoroughfare that facilitated trade, transport, and military movement, underscoring the importance of efficiency and structure in Roman urban design.

This systematic approach also expressed the Roman ideals of control and civil order, making it easier to manage populations and implement infrastructure such as aqueducts, baths, and public buildings. The predictable layout of streets and blocks allowed for clear navigation and the establishment of a sense of community within the city.

Other options, while they may seem relevant, do not encapsulate the fundamental characteristic of Roman urban planning in the same way. Riverside locations, for example, were advantageous for trade but not a defining feature of city planning in a systematic sense. Random street layouts would contrast with the Romans' intention for urban organization and efficiency, while suburban sprawl relates more to modern city development rather than the concentrated, formal layouts typical of ancient Roman cities.