Triumphal Arch

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A triumphal arch is an ancient Roman monumental structure in classical architecture, typically built to commemorate a significant military victory, honor an emperor or general, or celebrate a major public event. Triumphal arches were constructed across the Roman Empire and are an archetypal example of Roman architecture. Most surviving Roman arches date from the Imperial period (circa first century BCE onwards).

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Overview

Architecturally the "triumphal arch" was a successor to the "honorific-arches" built during the Roman Republic period (circa 510-27 BCE), which were usually built (sanctioned) and financed by the senate.

Originating in ancient Rome, and spreading to other parts of the empire, the triumphal arches were usually freestanding and consisted of one or more arched passageways supported by columns or pilasters, often richly decorated with sculptural reliefs and inscriptions detailing the achievements being celebrated. The central arch, larger and more prominent, was flanked by smaller arches in more elaborate designs. Triumphal arches served both as architectural landmarks and propaganda tools, symbolizing the power and glory of the Roman state and its leaders. Some famous examples include the Arch of Titus and the Arch of Constantine in Rome.

Existing Triumphal Arches

circa 20 CE

Honorary-Triumphal Arch of Tiberius or Germanicus

circa 81 CE

Triumphal Arch of Titus
The Arch of Titus (Arcus Titi) is one of the oldest of two remaining arches from the Roman Empire. It was built in 82 CE by Emperor Domitian as a tribute to his older brother, Emperor Titus, after his death. The identity of the architect is unknown, with no surviving documents from the arch’s construction time. This arch commemorates the military triumphs of Titus and his father Vespasian, in particular, their victory in the Jewish war which ended in 70 CE. The images carved into the stone celebrate the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the divinity of Titus. The arch is important from a historical as well as a religious and political point of view. The arch represents the glory of the Roman Empire, with Titus being viewed in a god-like way, worshiped for his successes.

circa 100 CE

Arch of Trajan in Timgad

circa 129-130 CE

Arch of Hadrian in Gerasa (Jerash)

circa 129-130 CE

Hadrianic Arch of Jerusalem

circa 131-132 CE

Hadrianic Arch of Athens

circa 203 CE

Triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus
The Arch of Septimius Severus was constructed on the Via Sacra in the Forum of ancient Rome. The arch is composed of three archways. The Arch of Septimius Severus is adorned with numerous detailed designs. The designs include battle scenes in Parthia, people being taken into slavery, nature scenes, other military victories, and numerous deities important to Romans. The overall style of the sculptures is very similar to that of the Column of Marcus Aurelius. Other sculptures that adorn the Arch of Septimius Severus are Mars, the Roman god of war, Bacchus, Hercules, and various other Roman gods.

circa 228 CE

Arch of Alexander Severus

circa 300 CE

Arch of Diocletian or Tetrarchy

circa 315 CE

Triumphal Arch of Constantine
The Arch of Constantine, dates to 312-315 CE. It is located along the Via Triumphalis but between the Flavian Amphitheater (the Colosseum) and the Temple of Venus and Roma. The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch made in the honor of Constantine, emperor of Constantinople; also commemorating past great emperors like Marcus Aurelius, Hadrian, and Trajan. The triple-arched triumphal arch erected in his honour was built near the Colosseum and at the time there were statues also on the top. It was mostly decorated with elements from earlier rulers’ monuments; only the narrow frieze above the arch openings was sculpted as new.

Destroyed or Lost Arches

circa 10 BCE

Triumphal Arch of Augustus
The Arch of Augustus (Arco di Augusto) was the triumphal arch of Augustus, located in the Roman Forum. It spanned the Via Sacra, between the Temple of Castor and Pollux and the Temple of Caesar, near the Temple of Vesta, closing off the eastern end of the Forum. It can be regarded as the first permanent three-bayed arch ever built in Rome. The archaeological evidence shows the existence of a three-bayed arch measuring 17,75 x 5.25 meters between the Temple of Caesar and the Temple of Castor and Pollux, although only the travertine foundations of the structure remain. Ancient sources mention arches erected in honor of Augustus in the Forum on two occasions: the victory over Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BCE, and the recovery of the standards lost to the Parthians in 20 BCE.

circa 16 CE

Triumphal Arch of Tiberius
The Arch of Tiberius (Arcus Tiberi) was a triumphal arch built in 16 CE in the Forum Romanum to celebrate the recovery of the eagle standards that had been lost to Germanic tribes by Varus in 9 CE. The Roman general Germanicus had recovered the standards in 15 or 16 CE. The Arch spanned the Vicus Jugarius between the Temple of Saturn and the Basilica Julia. It was dedicated to the emperor Tiberius because in the Imperial period only the emperor could celebrate a Triumph, so the victory of Germanicus was celebrated as a triumph of Tiberius. Very little is known about this monument. It is mentioned in literary sources, and it is known from a relief on the Arch of Constantine.

circa 300 CE

Palmyra Monumental Arch

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Triumphal Arch

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Overview

Existing Triumphal Arches

Destroyed or Lost Arches

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References

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