Archaeologists have determined the exact date of construction of the Porta Nigra in Trier — it was built 1,848 years ago. It's the oldest monument of its kind in Germany.
Aerial view of the Porta Nigra [Credit: DPA] |
Scientists have now managed to determine exactly when the city gate was built, thanks to ancient wood that was found in archaeological digs. It was built in 170 AD — or 1,848 years ago.
Excavation head Christian Lindner documents discovery of wood in waterlogged earth at the Trier city wall [Credit: Christian Lindner, Ludwig Maximilian/University of Munich] |
The Porta Nigra (Latin for "black gate") was named that way due to the darkened color of its stone. The largest Roman monument of its kind in Germany, it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site ensemble, called the Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St. Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier.
Porta Nigra wood piling [Credit: DPA] |
Source: Deutsche Welle [January 13, 2018]