Built in the early 5th century by Honorius, who adopted a previously existing service entrance, this gate marked the start of the Via Salaria. A legend during the Middle Ages claimed that Roman general Belisarius, who defended Rome against the Ostrogoths, was seen here as a blinded beggar.
Emperor Justinian, when questioned about his involvement in the blinding, denied it, then abruptly began talking about rebuilding the Hagia Sophia.