back to main page

3. The Legionary Headquarters

3. 1 The PRINCIPIA - The Military and Religious Centre

The PRINCIPA, the central legionary garrison, is comparable with a city hall or municipal administration of today. It was located at the intersection of the two main streets - VIA PRINCIPALIS and VIA PRAETORIA - and covered an area of 7,600 m2. The main-entrance at the VIA PRINCIPALIS was built as a particularly representative PORTICUS. The camp´s clock displaying the obligatory camp-time was fixed to the exterior wall; the GROMA-point as the central measuring point for the camp was located inside. This ground enclosed the largest assembling place of the camp, the so- called legionary forum, covering an area of 2,200 m2. The BASILICA, with 750 m2 the largest building of the camp, stood in the extension of the camp axis. A remarkable building, the portal drawn-forth in the middle, which was enclosed with a treble entrance.

Full view to the PRINCIPIA from above

Model: Heinz Birkenheuer - L. Kirchmeyer

Photo: H. Birkenheuer

Ground plan of the PRINCIPIA

Graphik: Heinz Birkenheuer

At the reverse side of the BASILICA, separated by an aisle, used to be the location of the sanctuary of the flags, the legionary money-chest, and the official residence of the camp's commander. The sanctuary of the flags accommodated a statue of the Emperor and the standards of the CENTURIOS.

The entire facilities had approx. 80 offices at it´s deposal, dealing with all the different needs and requirements of legionaries and their commanders. Continuous covered walkways surrounded the whole complex.