The triumphal arch was a type of Roman architectural monument built all over the empire to commemorate military triumphs and other significant events such as the accession of a new emperor. Arches were often erected over major thoroughfares and as the structure had no practical function as a building it was often richly decorated with architectural details, sculpture and commemorative inscriptions, typically using bronze letters. The city of Rome has four outstanding examples of these lasting testaments to Roman vanity.
Arch of Constantine I, 315 CE
The largest surviving Roman arch was built to celebrate Constantine’s defeat of Maxentius in 312 CE.
The Arch of Constantine I, erected in c. 315 CE, stands in Rome and commemorates Roman Emperor Constantine’s victory over the Roman tyrant Maxentius on 28th October 312 CE at the battle of Milvian Bridge in Rome. It is the largest surviving Roman triumphal arch and the last great monument of Imperial Rome. The arch is also a tour de force of political propaganda, presenting Constantine as a living continuation of the most successful Roman emperors, renowned for their military victories and good government.
Between two Dacian prisoners taken from an earlier monument to Trajan, are two sculpted 3×2 m panels (of 8 in total) which were taken from a now lost monument in honour of Marcus Aurelius (c. 176 BCE).
The arch is a 21 metre high and 25.6 m wide rectangular block of grey and white Proconnesian marble. It is richly decorated in sculptures, many of which were recycled from earlier 1st and 2nd century CE monuments. They depict the emperor on campaign and performing civic duties, religious and hunting scenes, and Dacian prisoners. The arch was transformed into a fortress in Medieval times but now stands proudly, back in its original form, besides its illustrious neighbour the Colosseum of Rome.
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Arch of Septimius Severus, 203 CE
The triumphal arch of Septimius Severus in Rome, erected in 203 CE to commemorate victory over the Parthians.
The Arch of Septimius Severus, erected in 203 CE, stands in the Forum Romanum and commemorates the Roman victories over the Parthians in the final decade of the 2nd century CE. The triple triumphal arch was one of the most richly decorated of its type. The core and foundations are of tavertine while the whole is faced with Proconnesian marble, a feature of which is its grey and white bands. It was possible to climb the arch via an inner staircase and gain access to the roof through the hollow attic.
The panels, two on each façade, depict battle scenes, seiges, prisoners, and the emperor addressing his troops during his campaigns in Parthia in the last decade of the 2nd century CE.
The decorative sculpture, now badly weathered, shows the military campaigns in Parthia, the seasons, and victories. The arch has the typical central keystone which here represents Mars, the Roman god of war. The smaller arches also have keystones which represent Bacchus and Hercules – gods which Septimius Severus held in particular esteem. On top of the structure there was once a six-horse chariot in gilded bronze on which rode a statue of Septimius Severus, flanked by his two sons, Caracalla and Geta.
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Arch of Janus, 4th Century CE
The 4th century CE Arch of Janus, Rome.
The Arch of Janus stands in the forum Boarium of Rome. This four-way marble arch probably acted as a boundary marker and, perhaps not coincidentally, stands directly over the Great Drain or Cloaca Maxima which fed into the river Tiber. 16 m high and 12 m wide with an archway on each of its four sides, the exact date of the structure is not known but pottery finds nearby suggest the 4th century CE.
A detial of the niches of the Arch of Janus, Rome. They would have once had statues placed in them.
Each pier of the arch has two rows of three niches, each topped by an elegantly carved semi-dome made to resemble a clam shell. It would seem likely that statues would have adorned these niches but, unfortunately, none survive. The keystones on each side depict Minerva and Roma. A staircase within the north-west pier would have once given access to the now removed upper story.
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Arch of Titus, c. 81 CE
The Triumphal Arch of Titus, erected in c. 81 CE by Domitian to commemorate his brother Titus’ campaigns in the Jewish War (70-71 CE).
The Arch of Titus was erected by Domitian in c. 81 CE at the foot of the Palatine hill on the Via Sacra in the Forum Romanum, Rome. It commemorates the victories of his father Vespasian and brother Titus in the Jewish War in Judaea (70-71 CE) when Jerusalem was sacked and the vast riches of its temple plundered. The arch is also a political and religious statement expressing the divinity of the late emperor Titus.
This relief from the Arch of Titus shows the emperor riding a chariot and being crowned by Victory.
Decorative marble reliefs are set either side of the inner arch and measure 2.04 m high by 3.85 m long. One panel shows the start of Titus’ 71 CE victory triumph procession as it passes through the Porta Triumphalis to the Forum Boarium with the participants carrying booty from the Temple of Jerusalem after the sacking of the city. The booty includes a seven-branched candelabra (menorah), silver trumpets, and perhaps even the Ark of the Covenant. The other relief panel is carved in three-quarter view and has Titus riding a four-horse chariot (quadriga) and shows him being crowned by a personification of Victory. The goddess Roma stands in front, holding the bridle of one of the horses. Both panels are significant artistically as they are the first full attempt by Roman sculptors to create the illusion of space and depth.
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All images by Mark Cartwright.