- The Servian Wall, also known as the Republican Wall, was named after the sixth King of Rome, Servius Tullius, (575-535 BCE). It was the first wall to be built to enclose Rome.
- After Brennius and the Gauls had sacked an undefended Rome in c.390 BCE, the Romans built the Servian Wall from c.380 onwards.
Getting There
- Location: Beside the Forecourt of Roma Termini Rail Station, Rome.
- Nearest Metro Station: Termini, Line A, Line B.
Dimensions
- Built in stone, the wall was 33 feet (10m) tall, 12 feet (3.5m) wide and 7 miles (11.2km) long.
Gates
- The Servian Wall had 16 gates.
- Entry was through the Sceleran gate and exit through the Triumphalis gate.
- The other gates were the Porta Sanquentus, Porta Quirinalis, Porta Collina, Porta Viminalis, Porta Esquilina, Porta Caelimontana, Portus, Querquetulana, Portus Capena, Portus Naevia, Portus Raudusculana, Portus Lavernalis, Portus Tregemina, Portus Carmentalis.
- Arch of Dolabella was rebuilt in 10 CE from the Porta Caelimontana.
Agger
- An Agger or embankment was built behind the Wall to strengthen it.
Hannibal
- In 218 BCE, during the Second Punic War (218-201 BCE) with Carthage, Hannibal reached Rome, but the Servian Wall held him off. He had no siege engines.
- The phrase Hannibal ante Portus ‘Hannibal is at the gates’ dates from this period.
Aurelian Walls
- Later, between 270-275 CE, the much longer Aurelian Walls were added, to a greatly expanded Rome. This was to meet the threat of the Germanic Invasions.
- Two thirds of the Walls are still standing today.
Photo and Map: Servian Wall, Roma Termini Rail Station, Rome