Trachyte was a very popular building material in ancient Rome, where it was also utilized for ornamental purposes and to pave roads. The large deposits that the Romans exploited for the material were located on the island of Sardinia. The prevalent use of the rock in the area has resulted in several Sardinian “trachyte towns” where the baths, churches, bridges, arches, tombs, and other notable structures are almost solely comprised of trachyte. Many of these beautiful historical structures can still be seen today.