Rome - Castra Praetoria

Rome - Castra Praetoria

The Castra Praetoria served as the barracks of the Praetorian Guard from 23 AD to 312 AD. Built under the orders of Emperor Tiberius, it was a fortified military camp designed specifically to house the Guard. Strategically located on the Northeastern edge of Rome, it provided them with control over key roads leading in and out of the city. The Castra Praetoria remained in use until 312 AD, when it was demolished by Emperor Constantine I, following the disbandment of the Praetorian Guard. Following the typical Roman military camp layout, the Castra Praetoria was rectangular, with high defensive walls, fortified gates, and barracks for the soldiers. It also included training grounds, administrative buildings, and storage areas for weapons and supplies. The Castra Praetoria on a current map of Rome, denoted by the black trapezium. To this day, the North and East walls of the camp remain largely intact, and are integrated into the Aurelian Walls – walls which were built as a defensive measure around Rome. The Western wall of the camp, however, no longer exists—its former path is now marked by Viale Castro Pretorio, a road whose name reflects the site’s historical significance. The National Central Library of Rome now occupies much of the land where the barracks once stood.

reconstructions

Reconstruction

1509

In Copyright (InC)

current,41.9082702,12.4872229;

https://openvirtualworlds.viewin360.co/share/collection/7bdlT?logo=1&info=0&fs=1&vr=1&sd=1&initload=0&thumbs=1

TEXT

Destiny Lim