Observations on the defences of roman forts in North Africa

Abstract

This article examines the evidence for the date of the extant defences of the legionary fortress at Lambaesis and the relationship of the gates at angle and interval towers to the defensive curtain. The dating of the porta praetoria on typological grounds is assessed in the light of other recent finds of gates of the same type elsewhere in the Empire. Analogies for the unusual towers of the portae principales and the angle towers are sought and an attempt is made to explain their form and function.