Four metres beneath the Capistrano Bastion in Alba Iulia, archaeologists have identified the foundation of a massive tower belonging to Porta Praetoria, the main eastern gate of Roman Apulum. The discovery also shows how the Roman entrance was later incorporated into the medieval Saint George Gate.Anca Timofan on Facebook
The Discovery
Archaeologists excavating the Capistrano Bastion within Romania's Alba Carolina Fortress have identified Porta Praetoria, the main entrance to the Roman fortifications at ancient Apulum.
The Roman settlement stood at present-day Alba Iulia in central Romania and was associated with the camp of Legio XIII Gemina.
The discovery was made during systematic archaeological excavations coordinated by archaeologist Dr Anca Timofan.
It represents the identification of the eastern entrance to the Roman camp, approximately four decades after archaeologists identified and partially restored the southern gate, Porta principalis dextra.
Among the most important remains is the foundation platform of one of the gate's towers. The substantial structure was found approximately four metres below the present ground level, providing new evidence for reconstructing the size and arrangement of the monumental entrance.
What Archaeologists Found
The excavations revealed the foundation platform of a tower belonging to Porta Praetoria.
Based on the newly discovered remains, combined with information from the previously identified southern gate, archaeologists can reconstruct the probable appearance of the eastern entrance.
The gate would have been flanked by two large rectangular towers. Between them stood a median wall containing two access arches.
The structure was built using the opus quadratum technique, in which large, carefully dressed limestone blocks were arranged to form substantial masonry construction.
The remains therefore provide information not only about the gate itself but also about the monumental character of the Roman military complex at Apulum.
The excavation has also revealed an important later chapter in the site's history.
Archaeologists determined that the foundations of Porta Praetoria were subsequently incorporated into the Saint George Gate of the medieval fortress.
This means that two major entrances occupied the same strategic location at different periods: the original Roman gate and the later medieval gateway.
Historical Background
Apulum was an important Roman military centre in the territory of present-day Romania.
The Roman camp was associated with Legio XIII Gemina, and its monumental fortifications formed part of the Roman presence at the site that later became Alba Iulia.
The newly identified Porta Praetoria was the camp's main eastern entrance.
Its discovery complements the earlier identification of Porta principalis dextra, the southern gate, which was found around 40 years ago and subsequently partially restored and reconstructed.
Together, the remains offer archaeologists a better basis for understanding the layout of the Roman fortifications.
The later history of the site is equally significant. Roman architectural remains did not simply disappear when the medieval fortress developed. Instead, the foundations of the Roman gate were incorporated into the later Saint George Gate.
According to Anca Timofan, the Roman origin of the medieval gateway had already been mentioned in accounts written by foreign travellers during the 17th century.
The new archaeological evidence now provides physical confirmation of that earlier observation.
Scientific Analysis
The newly identified tower foundation lies approximately four metres deep, making its survival beneath the later fortress particularly significant.
Archaeological documentation of the remains, together with the evidence from the southern Roman gate, allows researchers to establish the likely dimensions and architectural arrangement of Porta Praetoria.
The use of opus quadratum and large dressed limestone blocks indicates substantial Roman masonry construction.
Photogrammetric documentation is being carried out by Teodor Muntean, while archaeological topography is being provided by engineer Cosmin Vesa.
These techniques allow the surviving structures to be recorded in precise spatial detail and integrated into the wider archaeological understanding of the fortress.
The evidence also demonstrates a clear case of architectural reuse. Rather than being completely destroyed, the foundations of the Roman gate became part of a medieval defensive structure.
Why This Discovery Matters
The discovery fills an important gap in the known plan of the Roman fortifications at Apulum.
Finding the eastern Porta Praetoria means archaeologists can now examine another major entrance into the military complex and compare it with the previously identified southern gate.
Its architectural remains also reveal the scale of Roman construction at the site. Large limestone blocks, rectangular towers and multiple access arches formed a substantial monumental gateway.
Perhaps even more striking is the way the Roman and medieval phases overlap.
The foundations of Porta Praetoria were incorporated into the medieval Saint George Gate, creating a physical connection between two different periods of Alba Iulia's development.
What other Roman structures might still survive beneath the later fortress?
The discovery suggests that further archaeological work could continue to identify earlier layers concealed by later construction.
What’s Next?
Systematic archaeological research at the site is continuing under the organisation of the National Museum of the Union in Alba Iulia, with support from the Alba County Council.
Dr Anca Timofan is coordinating the archaeological investigation.
The documentation team includes Teodor Muntean, who is responsible for photogrammetric recording, and engineer Cosmin Vesa, who is carrying out archaeological topography.
Further documentation of the gate remains should help refine the reconstruction of Porta Praetoria and its relationship to the wider Roman camp.
The connection between the Roman and medieval gateways also provides an opportunity to study how the defensive landscape of Alba Iulia changed while earlier structures remained embedded within later fortifications.
Conclusion
The identification of Porta Praetoria beneath the Alba Carolina Fortress adds a major Roman architectural feature to the archaeological record of Alba Iulia.
Found approximately four metres below the Capistrano Bastion, the remains include the foundation platform of a substantial gate tower and provide evidence for an entrance flanked by rectangular towers and containing two access arches.
The discovery also demonstrates the direct reuse of Roman architecture in the medieval period, when the foundations became part of the Saint George Gate.
Together with the previously identified southern entrance, the new remains offer archaeologists a stronger basis for reconstructing the monumental fortifications of Roman Apulum.
FAQ
What was discovered at Apulum?
Archaeologists identified the remains of Porta Praetoria, the main eastern gate of the Roman fortifications at Apulum.
How deep was the Roman gate found?
The foundation platform of a gate tower was identified at approximately four metres below the present surface.
What did the Roman gate look like?
Archaeologists believe it had two rectangular towers, a median wall and two access arches, constructed with large limestone blocks using opus quadratum.
Was the Roman gate reused later?
Yes. Archaeologists found that the foundations of Porta Praetoria were incorporated into the medieval Saint George Gate.
