Esther van Deman was important not only as one of the first female Archaeologists, but also for writing the original survey of Roman building methods, materials, and chronology. This paper reconstructs the structure of the Neronian Via Sacra (one of the arterial roads leading through the Roman Forum), which was refurbished during his reign with colonnades. The road included an elaborate substructure and represents the Roman craft of road-building but has been badly damaged by heavy traffic, silting, and Medieval building. Van Deman not only offers reconstructions of the Via Sacra and the Neronian improvements on it, but suggests the reasons for these changes – a public relations campaign to foster public goodwill following the Great Fire and the destruction left in its wake. This paper presents fascinating suggestions to archaeologists and Roman historians alike.