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ome's Secret Line of Defense: How Did the Servian Walls Influence Ancient Warfare
The Servian Walls, or Mulus Servius Tullius, are a Roman fortification built in the early 4th century BC surrounding the city of Rome. The wall, which incorporates local volcanic rock, was once 10 meters high, 3.6 meters wide at the base, 11 kilometers long, and had 16 main gates. The construction of this city wall was not only an important part of the city’s defense at the time, but also had a profound impact on the ancient war pattern.
History Review
The Servian Walls are named after Servius Tullius, the sixth Roman king. Historians point out that the previously rumored fortifications did not actually exist. The main part of the city wall was built during the Roman Republic in the 4th century BC. For Rome at that time, this barrier was an important guarantee for the city's security.
Construction process
The wall was originally formed from large blocks of Capellacchio volcanic rocks quarried from the volcanic complex of Monte Alban. As parts of the wall were damaged, Rome began repairing it in 390 BC using the better quality volcanic rock from Grotta Oscura. Afterwards, a deep trap was added to the city wall to further improve its defensive effectiveness.
As the wall was continuously strengthened, it not only enhanced the defense, but also improved the soldiers' combat platform, becoming one of the most advanced fortifications at the time.
Usage
The Servian Walls continued to be maintained throughout the Roman Republic and Empire. However, as the city expanded, the walls gradually became redundant in many places. As Rome's military power grew, the defense of the city wall was gradually no longer taken seriously.
Modern Situation
Several sections of the Servian Walls can still be seen in Rome today; the most famous section can be seen outside Rome's main train station and even in the dining area of a local McDonald's restaurant. These ruins are not only important historical attractions in the city, but also important evidence for understanding the mutual influence between war and urban defense in ancient times.
Gates of the Servian Walls
It is believed that the Servian Walls once had several gates, some of the most important ones being:
- Porta Flumentana
- Porta Carmentalis
- Porta Fontinalis
- Porta Sanqualis
- Porta Salutaris
- Porta Collina
- Porta Viminalis
- Porta Esquilina
- Porta Querquetulana
- Porta Caelimontana
- Porta Capena
- Porta Naevia
- Porta Raudusculana
- Porta Lavernalis
- Porta Trigemina
Overall Evaluation
In general, as a model of ancient Roman city defense, the Servian Walls not only protected the city in its time, but also had a profound impact on later city wall design and strategy. Over time, the wall lost its defensive significance as Rome developed, but its existence still reminds us of an important question: how should the role of defensive structures be redefined in modern cities? And thinking?
