Castra Nova equitum singularium

The Castra Nova equitum singularium was an ancient Roman fort in Rome housing part of the emperor's cavalry bodyguard.

Their previous fort Castra Prioria which lay not far away to the north[1] had been built earlier, possibly under the emperor Domitian, and still housed the original force of 1500 mounted troopers.

[2] The camp site was always speculated as being beneath the cathedral of St John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano).

Within days it became clear that the remains of the Castra Nova existed in good condition just below the floor level and that the excavation was including a large part of the principia (headquarters) building.

The second inscription[7] was dedicated in 203 ob reditum ab expeditione felicissima in urvem sacram i.e. on the return of the guards to Rome following their escorting of the imperial family.