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The wall climbing up from the Porta Portese
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The wall continues along the ridge of the Gianicolo
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An angle of the wall near the top of the Gianicolo: evidence of a Roman foundation?
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The wall on the ridge of the Gianicolo
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Plaque recording the reconstruction of the wall by the Papacy in 1849
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The Porta Aurelia, outside
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The Porta Aurelia, inside
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The Porta Aurelia, inside
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Remains of the Roman fort at the Porta Aurelia
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Garibaldi's defence of the Porta Aurelia
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The 19th century wall continues towards the Vatican from the Porta Aurelia
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The Roman wall drops to the river from the Porta Aurelia
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The Porta Settimania, outside
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The Porta Settimania, inside
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A watchtower at the end of the wall, just before the river
These walls were begun by the emperor Aurelian (r 270-275), doubled in height by Maxentius (r 306-312), and restored by Honorius in 403. With 18 gates and 381 towers, they remained Rome's principal defence until 1870. These pictures were taken during a cycle ride round the 18-km circuit of the walls in April 2009.
