Porta Capena

The Porta Capena was an ancient city gate of the Servian Wall in Rome.

Location

The Porta Capena was located on the southwestern slope of the Caelian Hill. Neighboring gates were the Porta Naevia in the south west and the Porta Caelimontana in the east. At the gate the Via Appia and the Via Latina began. Near the grove of Camenae was.

Name and history

The origin of the name is unclear; one contemplated in ancient derivation from the Etruscan is not safe. It is also possible to connect to the city of Capua to the Via Appia led.

Domitian to the Porta Capena have restored in the late 1st century, who had already lost at this time due to the expansion of Rome, its function as a gate. Probably the work were associated with the construction of a water line, a branch of the Aqua Marcia, which led to the Aventine Hill from Caelius. Apparently, the water line was known for their leaks; Therefore Juvenal describes the Porta Capena as " wet " ( madidamque Capenam ) Even Rome's oldest aqueduct, Aqua Appia led to the Porta Capena in the city.

In the years 1867-1868 remains of the Porta Capena and the adjacent parts of the Servian Wall were excavated, but are now no longer visible.

The Piazza di Porta Capena is still one of the main transport hubs in central Rome.