During the Roman Empire, a laconic and solemn arch was one of the adornments of the forum. It was erected in order to immortalize in stone the military victories of the Roman legions, which were led by the emperor Titus Vespasian. True, these victories were considered outstanding only by the Romans themselves, and in world history the memory of military operations in Judea was preserved as a bloody massacre, because only during the siege and capture of Jerusalem more than 1.1 million people died.
It is noteworthy that in 81 AD, the Roman Senate erected another three-span arch in honor of the Emperor Titus. It was located in the eastern part of the famous Circus Maximus hippodrome. However, this building has not survived.
Thanks to the work of restorers, the single-span Arc de Triomphe looks the same as it did 2,000 years ago. It lacks only the bronze statue of Titus himself on the quadriga, which originally adorned the upper part of the monument. From one side of the archway you can see the majestic Colosseum, and from the other - the ruins of the Roman Forum. Near the ancient arch, you can see the remains of the foundations of the buildings in which during the Roman Empire trade and meetings of citizens were held.
Finding the triumphal arch of Titus is not difficult. It rises close to the Colosseum, at the end of the Sacred Road or Via Sacra, which connects the Capitol and Palatine hills. For tourists, the ancient monument is available around the clock.
War in Judea
In 66 AD, a revolt broke out against the Romans in the Roman province of Judea. At first, the rebels were successful, but soon Vespasian was sent to suppress the revolt in Judea. The Roman commander managed to quickly capture Galilee and take prisoner the leader of the rebels - Josephus Flavius, who later described the events in the multivolume work "The Jewish War".
In 69, Vespasian received the title of emperor and returned to Rome. His son Tinus Flavius Vespasian remained in command of the legions of the Romans. Roman troops laid siege to Jerusalem for 5 months, and during the hostilities a terrible famine arose in the city. When Titus took the capital of Judea, he plundered and burned it. The Romans destroyed the main Jewish shrine - the large Jerusalem temple, and the stolen valuables were taken to Rome. Upon their return to their homeland, Titus and his brother Domitian were awarded great honors.
History of the Arc de Triomphe of Titus in Rome
Triumphal arches in Rome began to be built during the time of the republic. Triumph awaited the victors passing through the stone gates - honor and worship of the inhabitants of Rome, glory and praise, as well as a long memory of their military success. The Arc de Triomphe of Titus was built by his brother, the Roman emperor Domitian, shortly after Titus Vespasian died. It was designed to perpetuate the victory of the troops of Rome in the Jerusalem War.
The place where the arch was placed is remarkable. In 64 AD, a great fire broke out in the central part of Rome, and after it, a large palace and park for the emperor Nero began to be built in the wastelands near the Palatine Hill. They wanted to make the luxurious "Golden House" the largest imperial residence in Europe. But these plans were not destined to come true. Four years later, Nero died, the palace was abandoned, and during the reign of Titus, it burned down in a fire. Instead of a palace, the territory was built up with public buildings, one of which was the Arc de Triomphe of Titus.
In the Middle Ages, the ancient monument was part of a fortress building, and then part of the arch was destroyed. In 1821, the Italian architect Giuseppe Valadier restored the Arc de Triomphe of Titus. To make the elements reconstructed by him differ from the original building, the architect made them from travertine and somewhat simplified the shape of the monument.
What the Arch of Titus looks like today
The Triumphal Arch of Emperor Titus is made of white marble brought to Rome from Central Greece. It rises to a height of 15.4 m and has a width of 13.5 m.The ancient arch has a cylindrical vault that surrounds an opening 5.33 m wide and 4.75 m deep.Two figures of the winged goddess Victoria are placed in the corners, and on the right and left from the span there are two half-columns of the composite order.
There are two bas-reliefs inside the driveway. One of them depicts the emperor Titus, who rules the quadriga. Interestingly, the goddess Roma is holding his chariot. Another bas-relief shows the solemn procession of the Romans with the trophies captured in Jerusalem. In this sculptural composition, the seven-barreled lamp, the menorah, stands out. In addition, on the Arc de Triomphe you can see a bas-relief depicting the moment of the apotheosis of Titus, which shows how, after death, the emperor sits astride an eagle and is carried away to a new world.
On the side of the forum there is a dedication inscription in Latin. It says that the Senate and the people of Rome dedicate the arch to Titus Vespasian Augustus. After the restoration in 1821, another text was engraved nearby, made on behalf of Pope Pius VII. The new inscription says that the monument has become dilapidated from time to time and was restored thanks to the pontiff.
How to get there
The Arc de Triomphe of Titus is located in the southeast of the Roman Forum. You can get here by metro: take line B to Colosseo station. In addition, buses 51, 75, 85, 87, 117 and N2 run to the Colosseum.
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 needed to be immortalized in the memory of descendants. Thus, a special type of architecture appeared, popular in - the triumphal gates-arches, designed to emphasize the power of the winners.
Arch of Titus - the oldest triumphal arch in Rome is a single-span gate made of white Pentel marble 15.4 m high and more than 5 m wide.
It is dedicated to the victory over the infidel Jews of the Roman emperor Titus. The event took place in 70 AD, as a result of the battle in Jerusalem, the Temple of Solomon was completely destroyed, and thousands of Jews were captured.
The bas-reliefs depict the victorious emperor wearing a golden crown. He drives a chariot drawn by white horses, in his hands - a symbol of imperial power, a scepter. Captured slaves and valuable spoils of war are visible in the background. On the sides of the opening are a pair of Corinthian columns. Above the cornice is a straight geometric superstructure, an 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 structure is decorated with relief compositions depicting the ceremony of the procession of the winner and legionnaires with the treasures of Jerusalem. Initially, a statue of the emperor was erected on top, but it has not survived to this day.
- The Arch of Titus was erected in 81 AD, shortly after the death of the triumphant himself, at the initiative of his follower Dominician and by the hands of those very Jewish slaves whom Titus brought from the victorious campaign. Then more than 50 thousand Jews got to Italy, who laid the foundation for the Jewish diaspora.
- The ashes of Titus himself were buried in the attic of the Arch of Titus, similar honors were conferred on only three rulers in the entire history of the Roman Empire: he was buried in Rome, Trajan in the base of the named column, 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), close to. The nearest metro stop is Colosseo, line B.
- See instructions ahead of time to avoid queues.
Arch of Septimio Severo
Another fairly well-preserved monument of this type at the Roman Forum is a three-span one, erected in 205 AD.
On both sides it is decorated with paired columns, the capitals of which include elements of various architectural orders. Above is the loosened entablature. The height of the entire structure is 20.9 m, width is 23.3 m. The building material is brick and travertine, but the surface is finished with marble. All spans are connected by walkways.
On one side, several steps lead to the Arch of Septimius Severus. There is also a staircase leading to a high attic divided into 4 halls. The walls and basement are decorated with reliefs praising the victory of Septimius Severus and his two sons Karakkala and Geta over the warring tribes. From the images on ancient coins it is clear that earlier the monument was decorated with sculptures of the North with his sons, but the latter have not survived to this day.
- After the death of his father, Karakkala did not want to share the throne with Geta, using the classic method of seizing power in Rome - fratricide. Geta's name was erased from the triumphal arch of Septimius Severus. Later, Karakkala entered the historical chronicles as one of the most cruel emperors of Ancient Rome.
How to get there
- The Arch of Septimius Severus is located in the Roman Forum in Rome, close to the Colosseum, the nearest metro stop is Colosseo, line B, also easily accessible from the Parco Celio tram stop.
- A visit to the Forum costs 12 Euro.
Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino)
The Arch of Constantine belongs to a later era (4th century AD), and gained immense popularity among tourists.
The Arch of Constantine is a three-span gate 21 m high and more than 25 m wide, decorated with Corinthian columns, over 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. The event that served the reason for the creation of the arch was the victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312... This episode brought Constantine to Christianity and laid a new religious order for the entire Western world.
- Most of the bas-reliefs of the arch were removed from other architectural structures of the previous period. Authentic compositions of the 4th century stand out unfavorably against the background of earlier ones and indicate a certain decline in compositional skill in Rome - 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 Colosseo, line B.
- This attraction is free of charge.
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Darren Flinders / flickr.com Arch of Titus and the Colosseum in Rome (David Merrett / flickr.com) Inscription on the Arch of Titus: "Senate and Roman people to divine Titus, son of divine Vespasian, Vespasian Augustus" (George Rex / flickr.com) Matt Chan / flickr.com Corey Harmon / flickr.com daryl_mitchell / flickr.com Abir Anwar / flickr.com Bas-relief inside the span of the Arch of Titus (Institute for the Study of the Ancient World / flickr.com) Bas-relief: slaves and seven-barreled golden menorah (Andy Hay / flickr.com) Takver / flickr.com
Rome is a city whose history dates back to long before our era. The city, which has become a stronghold of the once flourishing Roman Empire, about which the memorial signs and structures remaining in the historical part of the city are tacitly told today.
This is a city that has seen a lot: the triumphal procession of Roman legionnaires who brought victory and trophies on their shoulders, and enemy raids, after which only blood, devastation and tears remained. However, the tears dried up long ago, the blood was washed away by the rains, and new ones grew on the site of the destroyed buildings, and the life of the city sparkled with new colors.
One of the oldest monuments of Roman history, the construction of which dates back to 81 AD, is the Arc de Triomphe of Titus.
The Roman Empire has always been famous for conquering new territories and attracting new countries into its subordination. Therefore, the solemn or triumphant entry into the city of the victorious generals with the army and trophies was a holiday for everyone. A similar procession ended with the presentation of gratitude to the gods who gave them this victory.
Arch of Titus and the Colosseum in Rome (David Merrett / flickr.com)
As a symbol of the solemn return of the victorious army to the bosom of their native land, triumphal arches were erected at the entrance to the city. And if at first they were temporary, and were made of wood, then over time they turned into majestic structures with several spans, built of stone and concrete. They were decorated with statues, bas-reliefs and commemorative inscriptions.
At first, any commander who won a battle could enter Rome with triumph. But over time, this ceremony began to be regarded as the highest award and was not allowed to everyone. This honor was awarded only to those generals who possessed the highest power and were not subject to anyone.
Triumph of the Roman Emperor Titus Flavius Vespasian
In 70 AD, the future Roman Emperor (79–81 years of reign) Titus Flavius Vespasian, son of Emperor Tito Flavius Vespasian (69–79 years of reign), was remembered by the Romans and the whole world as Titus, who took Jerusalem by siege during the Jewish War and entered Rome as the conqueror and conqueror of Jerusalem.
The inscription on the Arch of Titus: "Senate and Roman people to the divine Titus, son of the divine Vespasian, Vespasian Augustus" (George Rex / flickr.com)
The victory was significant, because not only some of the Israelites, who later gave rise to the Israeli community in Rome, were taken prisoner, but also their leaders - John and Simon. And, despite the fact that after the victory Titus entered Rome with triumph, the Arc de Triomphe of Titus was erected after his death and after about 81 years.
This is evidenced by the preserved inscription on it in translation meaning: "The Senate and the Roman people to the divine Titus, the son of the divine Vespasian, Vespasian Augustus."
After his death, the Romans elevated Titus to the divine rank, and on one of the caissons of the arch, located in the center of the vault, his ascension to the gods is captured. And he does this sitting on an eagle. This image gave historians a reason to assume that Tito's ashes are stored in the vaults of the arch, however, more thorough research did not confirm this theory.
A Brief Description of the Arch of Titus
All the main bas-reliefs of the Arch of Titus, which are based on the story of Titus's triumphant entry into Rome after the victory, are inside the span.
Bas-relief of the Arch of Titus, Rome (Takver / flickr.com)
From the north side, from left to right, "moves" a quadriga with four horses, which are held by the reins by the Goddess Roma. The majestic figure of the commander rises above the chariot. Behind it are the figures of the representatives of the Senate and the people.
Most likely, this is already the culmination of the ceremony, while its beginning is recorded on the bas-relief on the south side.
It tells how the captive Jews carry a stretcher on which trophies and poles with tablets are laid out, the inscriptions on which can only be guessed at.
Bas-relief: slaves and a seven-barreled golden menorah (Andy Hay / flickr.com)
The seven-barreled golden menorah (seven-barreled candlestick) is very clearly visible on the bas-relief - one of the oldest symbols of Judaism and the main attribute of the Temple of Solomon. Which once again emphasizes that Titus conquered Jerusalem. According to experts, this is the oldest image of a minor.
The Arch of Titus was part of the Frangipane fortification, but over time the fortification was destroyed, which partially affected its appearance. Pope Pius VII's good intentions to restore it were realized. As evidenced by another inscription, but on the other side of the arch.
The Triumphal Arch of Titus was also restored in 1821.
Full of historical and cultural attractions. Each architectural masterpiece tells about important events in the centuries-old history of the capital of Italy. One of the unique creations of architecture of its heyday is located near the majestic Colosseum.
Arches in honor of the winners
Valiant generals who returned victorious after a long war were always greeted in the most solemn manner. Ancient Rome was no exception. Since ancient times, special stone structures have been erected in honor of the triumphants, in which their feat was perpetuated. Courageous soldiers proudly drove into the city through the built arches, where they were solemnly greeted with honors by local residents.
However, Constantine, which will be discussed in the article, was not completed at the time of the victorious return of the emperor. This is the only structure in Rome, erected after the victory in the civil war, because most often such structures were created in honor of a triumph over an external enemy.
Emperor Constantine and his merits
The impudent and ambitious Constantine from childhood wanted to become an emperor, and for this purpose he went to great lengths, removing those who were objectionable and hindering him from his path. The young man's father - a famous commander - before his death transfers his powers to his son, and the Roman soldiers proclaim Constantine their emperor in advance.
At that time, Rome was ruled by the cruel despot Maxentius, who was hated by the city dwellers. The valiant warrior who dreamed of the throne, who chose Christianity as his religion, sends his army against the enemy across the Alps. Knowing that the forces of Maxentius far exceed his army, Constantine prays for a long time, expecting some kind of heavenly sign.
Sign from above
In the annals there is a mention of a miracle that struck the enemy armies and surprised Constantine himself. After his requests for help in the upcoming battle, a cross from the sun's rays appears in the heavens, and supposedly in the clouds the inscription "Conquer by this" becomes visible. The future emperor was confused, not knowing what to do, and at night Christ comes to him in a dream, urging him to go to war against the pagans and restore Christianity throughout the vast empire.
30-year-old Constantine, inspired by signs, goes into battle and defeats the tyrant's large army. In 312, the head of Maxentius was brought to Rome so that all residents would look at the defeated despot, while Constantine himself sits on the long-awaited imperial throne.
Transfer of the capital
Only 2 years later, the Triumphal Arch of Constantine, dedicated to the victory, appears. Rome paid for such a long wait for the emperor by the fact that the capital was moved to the city of Byzantium, which became a Christian religious center, and the ruler himself was canonized. Even the mention of all the feats of arms on the huge arch did not stop the young emperor, who did not appreciate such belated attention.
The largest arch
The Triumphal Arch of Constantine, built with money raised by the Senate and the people, is the "youngest" building of this kind. The monumental structure consists of 3 spans, the largest - the central one - and the winner was supposed to solemnly enter on a decorated chariot. The gigantic size and thickness of the marble arch make it one of the largest in the world. On both sides, the powerful structure is surrounded by columns, the walls are decorated with exquisite bas-reliefs depicting scenes of the victories of the valiant emperor.
Borrowing from other monuments
It is known that decorative statues and medallions transferred from other buildings were used to decorate the arch. The bas-reliefs dedicated to the victory of Constantine were actually removed from a historical monument erected in honor of the victory of another glorious commander, Marcus Aurelius. Two-meter medallions located between the columns described events related to another emperor, only the head of the ancient Roman ruler Hadrian was replaced with an image of an undaunted winner.
Such a borrowing of elements from other historical monuments is explained by the fact that the Arc de Triomphe of Emperor Constantine in Rome was erected in a very short time. Although many do not agree with this version, considering the unusual "eclecticism" as a simple lack of funds. Researchers who have carefully studied the documents of those eras agree that the huge structure needed elements that would give it a special status, and therefore the design of the arch was carried out in such an unusual way. Be that as it may, the monument of amazing beauty amazes with the power and splendor of all those living today.
Lavishly decorated masterpiece
The Triumphal Arch of Constantine in Rome, the architecture of which was copied from a similar structure, dedicated, was erected in such a way that it seems to everyone that it relies exclusively on mighty columns. Their lavishly decorated reliefs depict scenes of the capture of savage barbarians by Roman soldiers. Above the central span of the arch there is a sculptural image of the goddess of victory - Victoria. These decorative ornaments belong to the era of the reign of the conqueror of the pagans.
On the sides, the Triumphal Arch of Emperor Constantine is decorated with medallions on which the deities of the Moon and the Sun rush in chariots. The internal and external surfaces of the monument dedicated to the main triumph of the emperor are filled with sculptural works.
Immersion in ancient history
The Triumphal Arch of Constantine is surrounded by a high fence so that tourists from all over the world do not take away the ancient masterpiece of world culture for souvenirs. It must be said that yellow marble suffers greatly from weather conditions and exhaust fumes.
Thousands of visitors daily view amazing pictures, plunging into ancient history with long wars and bright, significant victories. The impressive structure allows everyone to touch eternity, forget about the vanity of the mortal world.
Triumphal arches were erected in Rome (Italy) during the time of the republic. It was a peculiar, richly decorated and ornamented gate, passing through which the most distinguished generals received a "triumph". Triumphal arches were erected not only in Rome, but throughout the empire.
Arch of Emperor Titus Flavius was built in honor of the victory of Roman weapons in the Jerusalem War, which took place in the 1st century AD. An arch was installed at the entrance of Nero, demolished by Flavias.
Emperor Titus was the eldest son of the first of the Flavians, Vespasian. He became a co-ruler of the empire in 71, and from 79, after the death of his father, he began to single-handedly rule the vast empire.
Arch of Titus is one of the finest examples of triumphal arches in Rome... It was a monumental pedestal for a bronze monument to the emperor, which was crowned by the goddess of victory, Victoria.
Arch architecture
Outwardly, the Arch of Titus has strict forms and may seem quite modest to some, but this modesty and triumph of its architectural proportions makes the Arch of Titus an object of admiration and imitation for this kind of buildings.
Arch facade practically not decorated with sculptures, with the exception of two Victorias and a sculpture of Fortune. The archway is decorated with reliefs depicting the triumphal procession of Titus in Rome; Titus is depicted standing on a quadriga, next to his legionnaires. The goddess Roma herself leads the city of Titus, and in front of the procession are the trophies captured in the war, including the golden seven-branched candlestick from the Temple of Solomon.
Interesting to compare legionnaire image on the Arch of Titus and earlier arches. If earlier legionnaires played the role of a kind of extras, then in the reliefs of the Arch of Titus they already look like full participants in the action. This fact underlines the increased role of Roman legionaries in the political life of Rome. The Flavias themselves were the first emperors in Rome to come to power thanks to the Roman legions.
Pay attention to the inscription on the arch. On the facade of the Arch of Titus, the following inscription is “The Roman people and the Senate to Titus Vespasian Augustus, son of the divine Vespasian”.
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