Paving is a solution to a much worse problem of huge maintenance costs of non paved roads and paths. Unimproved dirt doesn't stand up well and gravel needs more maintenance than paving as well.
Before there was asphalt/tarmac/blacktop there was "macadam", which was tarmacadam without the tar. But it used to kick up huge amounts of dust, so it was normal to pour water on the roads in hot weather.
