The Servian Wall was an ancient defensive structure in Rome. It is spelled with a "v" instead of a "b" due to its origin in Latin, where "v" and "u" were the same letter. The IPA transcription for this word is /ˈsɜːrviən wɔːl/. The "s" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative, the "v" as a voiced labiodental fricative, the "r" as an alveolar trill, the "i" as a short non-syllabic vowel, and the "a" as a short open vowel.
The Servian Wall is an ancient defensive fortification that once surrounded the city of Rome, Italy. It was constructed during the 4th century BCE and is named after Servius Tullius, the sixth king of Rome who was credited with its inception.
This massive wall, built with stone and an opus quadratum technique, measured approximately 12 kilometers in length and enclosed a significant portion of the city. It consisted of a solid stone base, around 6 meters high, topped with a superstructure of bricks and turrets. The wall was further reinforced by external defensive structures, including towers and gates strategically placed along its perimeter.
The Servian Wall played a crucial role in protecting Rome from external invasions during ancient times. It acted not only as a physical barrier but also as a symbol of the city's power and prestige. It provided a sense of security for the Roman citizens and facilitated the efficient control and regulation of people entering and exiting the city.
Over the centuries, significant portions of the Servian Wall have been destroyed or incorporated into later structures. However, remnants of this ancient fortification can still be found throughout modern-day Rome, serving as a reminder of the city's rich history and the remarkable engineering prowess of its ancient inhabitants.
The word "Servian Wall" is derived from the Latin term "Murus Servii Tullii", meaning "Wall of Servius Tullius". It refers to the defensive wall built around the city of Rome during the reign of Servius Tullius, the sixth king of Rome. The wall was constructed in the 4th century BCE and was named after the king who commissioned its construction.