Heidentor, Carnuntum

Heidentor (Heathens’ Gate) is the most well-known monument of the Roman Carnuntum, which was situated along the Danube limes to the north of Lake Fertő. It is a couple of kilometres from the legionary fortress and the civilian town. At present only two pillars exist from the gate; however, a so-called quadrifrons (four-part gate) resting on four pillars stood here, which must be imagined as two vaulted gates crossing one another. The fragments of a circular pedestal were found at the intersection point of the vaults: on top of it, must have stood the statue of the person for the honours of whom the Heidentor was built. The age and function of the gate was an issue of dispute for centuries, but recent excavations contributed to resolving the matter. On the basis of archaeological observations and finds (for example, coins), the four-pillar construction was presumably erected by Emperor Constantius II (337-361) in the middle of the 4th century. He did so with propagandistic purposes as a monument of victory to commemorate his successful military campaigns in Pannonia.