The Arch of Septimius Severus (Arco di Settimio Severo), situated at the north-western end of the Roman Forum is an ancient Roman triumphal arch consecrated in 203 CE to commemorate the Parthian victories of Emperor Septimius Severus and his two sons, Caracalla and Geta.
The design of Severan Arch features a central arched passage flanked by two smaller arches, adorned with rich reliefs and sculptures that depict scenes from the military campaigns. The structure, made of white marble, stands on a travertine base and rises to a height of approximately 23 meters. The arch is intricately decorated with intricate carvings, including depictions of winged victories, soldiers, and captives. The central inscription on the attic commemorates the Severan dynasty's accomplishments. The Arch of Septimius Severus remains a significant historical and architectural landmark, providing a glimpse into the imperial glory of ancient Rome and the artistic prowess of its time.
circa 203 CE
Construction
The arch was constructed on a travertine base that was initially accessed by steps from the ancient level of the Forum. The central archway is topped by an intricately coffered semicircular vault and is flanked by lateral openings leading to each side archway—a design feature emulated in numerous triumphal arches from the Early Modern period. With dimensions of approximately 23 meters in height and 25 meters in width, the arch exhibits two sets of reliefs. The first set comprises four large panels on each face of the attic, while the second set consists of eight panels integrated into the inner face of the four archways.
circa 203 CE
Dedicatory Inscription of Emperor Severus
The dedicatory inscription reads:
IMP · CAES · LVCIO · SEPTIMIO · M · FIL · SEVERO · PIO · PERTINACI · AVG · PATRI PATRIAE PARTHICO · ARABICO · ET PARTHICO · ADIABENICO · PONTIFIC · MAXIMO · TRIBUNIC · POTEST · XI · IMP · XI · COS · III · PROCOS · ET IMP · CAES · M · AVRELIO · L · FIL · ANTONINO · AVG · PIO · FELICI · TRIBUNIC · POTEST · VI · COS · PROCOS · (P · P · OPTIMIS · FORTISSIMISQVE · PRINCIPIBUS) OB · REM · PVBLICAM · RESTITVTAM · IMPERIVMQVE · POPVLI · ROMANI · PROPAGATVM · INSIGNIBVS · VIRTVTIBVS · EORVM · DOMI · FORISQVE · S · P · Q · R
The inscription translates: "To the emperor Caesar Lucius Septimius Severus Pius Pertinax Augustus Parthicus Arabicus Parthicus Adiabenicus, son of Marcus, father of his country, Pontifex Maximus, in the eleventh year of his tribunician power, in the eleventh year of his rule, consul thrice, and proconsul, and to the emperor Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus Pius Felix, son of Lucius, in the sixth year of his tribunician power, consul, and proconsul (fathers of their country, the best and bravest emperors), on account of the restored republic and the rule of the Roman people spread by their outstanding virtues at home and abroad, the Senate and the People of Rome (sc. dedicate this monument)".
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The Madain Project is an online archive of Abrahamic History and Archaeology.
Abrahamic History & Archaeology is the study of history and archaeology with respect to the three Abrahamic Faiths without considering the religious and theological aspects. The goal of Abrahamic History is to understand how and why the religious doctrines and behaviours have evlovled and changed over time. Searching for patterns in the evolution of significant cultural events such as the development of farming, the emergence of cities, or the collapse of major civilizations for clues of why and how these have influenced the three major Abrahamic religions.
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