One of the most important topographical problems of ancient Pompeii regards the city walls and the question of the existence of a gate, known as the Porta Capua and shown on some 19th century plans. However, there is disgreement amongst scholars as to its existence and for this reason the Japan Institute of Paleological Studies at Kyoto began research in the area where this gate is traditionally sited. At the end of the excavation campaign it was possible to establish that the structure on the 19th century plans was in fact a tower not a gate. Moreover, this tower is not entirely similar to the other towers situated along the city walls as parts of it are built in opus latericium and its entrance opens on its south side, rather than at first floor level or on one of the sides as is the case of the other towers. Lastly, below the floor level a channel was revealed whose function is unclear.
A further aim of the Japan Institute of Paleological Studies at Kyoto was the investigation of the various phases of Pompeii’s city walls. For this reason several trenches were dug below the ground level of 79A.D. These trenches provided the necessary information for the reconstruction of the architectural history of the walls in the area under investigation. In particular, a few blocks of pappamonte stone came to light for the first time in the northern part of the city walls. The latest information provided by the excavation regards the last decades of the 1st century A.D. when the walls lost their defensive function and the area was used as a rubbish tip. (Satoshi Sakai – Vincenza Iorio)