Fingerprints of the Ancient Past: The Roman Gate on the Kaestrich

It was only 20 years ago in 1985 that the remains of a city gate from the last years of antiquity around 4th Century A.D. were found above the Kupferberg Terrace. The gate was made from stone taken from a Legion encampment and then erected on the grounds of what today are the University Clinics on the Kaestrich Embankment immediately to the west of downtown Mainz .

The ruts worn in the gate’s entrance measure almost two meters wide, about six-and-a-half feet, and serve as an historical “fingerprint” in stone, revealing details of life back in antiquity some 1600 years ago.

The street was part of the Via Praetoria or Praetorian Way which led through the Main Gate of the Camp, the Porta Praetoria (Praetorian Gate) to the staff headquarters building. It can be assumed that the Gate itself was laid out as a square and was at least two storeys high above the passageway. On each of its sides it had three windows. Originally it was equipped with two large wooden gate winged which were mounted on sturdy hinges and could be locked when closed.

Location

You can reach the Kupferberg Terrace from the Schillerplatz by taking the Emmerich-Josef Strasse. The Roman Gate is found at the “Am Roemertor” Straße above the Kupferberg Terrace.

Fingerprints of the Ancient Past: The Roman Gate on the Kaestrich

Location

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