The Castra Nova and the Severan Transformation of Rome

This study examines the Castra Nova, a fort built under Emperor Septimius Severus in the early third century AD, and its role in the transformation of Rome from the Early Empire to Late Antiquity. Located on the Caelian Hill, the Castra Nova housed the Equites Singulares Augusti, the emperor's elite cavalry guard, and marked a major imperial initiative under Severus' title of Restitutor Urbis. The construction obliterated high-status residences, demonstrating the militarization of urban spaces in this period. Archaeological investigations, including ground-penetrating radar and 3D modeling, provide insights into the fort's layout, construction techniques, and strategic significance. The study highlights the fort's structural features, such as its elevated platform and principia, and discusses its demolition following Constantine's victory over Maxentius in 312 AD. The site was subsequently repurposed for the construction of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, reflecting a shift from military to religious authority. This transition symbolizes broader changes in Rome's urban and political landscape, underscoring the Castra Nova's critical role in the Severan redefinition of imperial power and its enduring legacy in shaping the city's development into Late Antiquity.