Campgate

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Ancient campgates, also known as military camp gates, were vital components of the defensive and organizational structure of military camps in ancient times, particularly in the Roman Empire and the armies of ancient Greece. These gates were designed to control access to the fortified areas where soldiers lived and operated, ensuring the security of the camp and its inhabitants. Military camps, especially those of the Romans, were often carefully planned and organized, with gates forming an essential part of the overall defensive system.

In Roman military camps, the castrum (the Latin term for a fortified military camp) was usually rectangular or square, with four gates—one on each side. These gates were typically positioned in a way that allowed for efficient movement of troops and supplies while also providing security. The principia (headquarters) was often located at the center of the camp, and the gates were strategically placed to allow quick access to key areas. Roman military engineers, known as architecti, would design the gates with defensive features such as wooden or metal doors reinforced with iron, often accompanied by a drawbridge or a barbican (an outer defensive structure).

The gates were not only practical but also symbolic of the military power and organization of the Roman legions. They often featured elaborate inscriptions and symbolic decorations, sometimes displaying the name of the camp, the unit stationed there, or the emperor under whom the camp was established. The porta praetoria, the main gate, was typically the most important, serving as the entrance through which the commander and officers entered and left. It was often decorated with military symbols like the eagle or standards, signifying Roman might and the authority of the commanding officer.