[3] Although the gate had little defensive structures in the Roman period, it was most likely flanked by towers from both sides.

The gate, 26 metres (85 ft) wide, stood over a grand avenue, the city's Decumanus Maximus known by biblical sources as the Street Called Straight, which was to become the main artery in the city.

The avenue included a central carriageway for wheeled vehicles 14 metres (46 ft) wide, and two pedestrian arcaded pavements.

Following the capture of Damascus by Khalid ibn al-Walid's army, he entered through this gate on 18 September 634.

[2] In the 12th-century during the reign of Nur ad-Din Zangi, the gate was partially blocked except for the central opening which was converted into a bent entrance.