Sights
- Virtual tour /
- The Eastern Gate of Philippopolis
The Eastern Gate of Philippopolis was built in the 2nd century. It was originally built as a marble triumphal arch on the main road to Byzantium, in honor of the visit of Emperor Hadrian. When the plain part of Philippopolis was first fortified in 172 AD, as a result of the danger of attack by the Marcomanns, it remained outside the enclosures. However, in the 4th century, the construction of a new fortress wall of stones and bricks began, and the triumphal arch was built into it. Thus, it became the new Eastern Gate of Philippopolis, as it is known today. Its old appearance with one main and two additional entrances was preserved, but battle towers were built on both sides to protect it from attacks. Gradually, it became the most important entry and exit point of the ancient city, and its importance increased further after 330 AD, when Emperor Constantine I made Byzantium the capital and renamed it Constantinople.