http(s) URLs are <i>NOT</i> necessarily directories. From RFC1738, no doubt superseded by some other wordier RFC, referring specifically to the HTTP protocol:<p><pre><code> Within the <path> and <searchpart> components, "/", ";", "?" are
reserved. The "/" character may be used within HTTP to designate a
hierarchical structure.
</code></pre>
Note the key use of the word 'may'!