Porta Salaria, Ancient city gate in Rome, Italy
Porta Salaria is an ancient city gate in Rome, built as part of the extensive Aurelian Walls system with two semi-circular brick towers. The structure stands at the point where the Via Salaria passes through the defensive circuit of the city.
Emperor Aurelian ordered the construction of this gate around 280 AD as one of Rome's main defensive entrances. The structure underwent substantial modifications in 1873 after damage during the 1870 capture of Rome, leading to its complete removal in 1921.
The gate marked the beginning of the Via Salaria, a major trade route used for transporting salt from the Adriatic coast to Rome.
The location sits at an important point along Rome's ancient defensive system and remains accessible today. Visitors should know that the original gate no longer stands, but its position can still be traced through the modern street layout of the city.
Excavations beneath the eastern tower uncovered the burial of a wealthy Roman whose remains are now displayed in a museum. This discovery reveals that prominent individuals were interred near the gate, highlighting its importance as a landmark in the ancient city.
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