The Arc de Triomphe is a legacy of the Roman imperial era, the period of its power and prosperity.
The people in Rome rejoiced and praised their rulers returning from victorious campaigns. Solemn moments were required to perpetuate in the memory of posterity. Thus, a special type of architecture, popular in Ancient Rome, appeared - triumphal arch gates designed to emphasize the power of the winners.
Arch of Titus (Arco di Tito)
Arch of Titus - the oldest triumphal arch in Rome, is a single-span gate made of white Pentel marble with a height of 15.4 and a width of more than 5 m.
It is dedicated to the victory over the unfaithful Jews of the Roman emperor Titus. The event occurred in 70 AD, as a result of the battle in Jerusalem, the temple of Solomon was completely destroyed, thousands of Jews were captured.
The bas-reliefs depict the victorious emperor in a golden crown. He controls a chariot drawn by white horses, in his hands - a symbol of imperial power, a scepter. Captured slaves and valuable war trophies are visible in the background. On the sides of the opening is a pair of Corinthian columns. Above the cornice is a direct geometric superstructure, attic, with the words of dedication to Titus.
The central part of the arch of Titus is closed by two soaring figures of the winged goddess Victoria. The design is decorated with relief compositions depicting the procession of the winner and legionnaires with the treasures of Jerusalem. Initially, a statue of the emperor was built from above, but it has not survived to our times.
Interesting Facts
- The arch of Titus was erected in 81 AD, shortly after the death of the triumph, at the initiative of his follower Dominican and by the hands of the very Jewish slaves whom Titus brought from the victorious campaign. Then in Italy more than 50 thousand Jews fell, who laid the foundation for the Jewish diaspora.
- The ashes of Titus himself were buried in the attic of the arch of Titus, only three rulers in the history of the Roman Empire were awarded such honors: Caesar was buried in Rome at the Forum, Trajan in the base of the inscribed column in his forum and Titus in his arch. Thus, the Arch of Titus is not only the progenitor of later triumphal structures in Rome, but also a memorial.
How to get there
- The Arc de Triomphe of Titus is located on a hill in the eastern part of the Roman Forum (Foro Romano), near the Coliseum. The nearest metro stop is the Colosseo, line B.
- A visit to the Forum costs 12 Euros.
- See instructions on how to buy tickets for the Forum and the Colosseum in advance to avoid queues.
Arch of Septimius Severo (Arco di Settimio Severo)
Another monument of a similar type, quite well preserved at the Roman Forum, is the three-span triumphal arch of Septimius Severus, erected in 205 CE.
On both sides it is decorated with paired columns, the capitals of which include elements of various architectural orders. Above is uncovered entablature. The height of the entire structure is 20.9 m, width 23.3 m. The building material is brick and travertine, but the surface is finished with marble. All spans are interconnected by aisles.
On one side, several steps lead to the arch of Septimius Severus. There is also a staircase leading to the high attic, divided into 4 rooms. The walls and the basement are decorated with reliefs glorifying the victory of Septimius Severus and his two sons Karakkala and Geta over the militant tribes. From the images on ancient coins it can be seen that earlier the sculpture was decorated with sculptures of the North with sons, but the last ones have not survived to this day.
Interesting Facts
- After the death of his father, Karakkala did not want to share the throne with Geta, using the classical method of seizing power in Rome - fratricide. Geta's name was erased from the triumphal arch of Septimius Severus. Later, Caraccal entered historical chronicles as one of the most cruel emperors of ancient Rome.
How to get there
- The Arch of Septimius Severus is located at the Roman Forum in Rome, near the Coliseum, the nearest metro station is the Colosseo, line B, it is also convenient to get to the tram stop Parco Celio.
- A visit to the Forum costs 12 Euros.
Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino)
The Constantine Arch dates back to the later era (4th century AD), and has gained immense popularity among tourists.
The Arch of Constantine is a three-span gate with a height of 21 m and a width of more than 25 m, decorated with Corinthian columns, above which the silhouettes of prisoners rise. The arch is divided into three zones, each of which is generously covered with bas-reliefs based on various pages of Roman history and religion. Event that served the reason for the creation of the arch was the victory over Maxentius in the battle of the Milvian bridge in 312. This episode brought Constantine to Christianity and laid the foundation for a new religious order throughout the Western world.
Interesting Facts
- Most of the arch's bas-reliefs were removed from other architectural structures of the previous period. Authentic compositions of the 4th century unfavorably stand out against the background of earlier ones and testify to a certain decline in compositional skill in Rome - the geometric division into zones and too rich decor violate the harmony of the building, giving it elements of architectural kitsch.
How to get there
- The Arch of Constantine is located next to the Colosseum, on Via di San Gregorio, the nearest metro stop is the Colosseo, line B.
- This attraction is free of charge.
