even coming out of the egyptian desert , a ragged half-crazed remnant , he 'd been astonished at the abundance of the people of the roman empire-that common soldiers rode horses in battle ( an unthinkable advantage for a being of gregory 's time ) , that indian and egyptian fabrics were sold over the whole known world , that female peasants had their own great looms , and that solid roman roads bound together the empire , replete with caravansaries for travelers every few miles , and plenty to eat for everyone .