The Triumphal Arch of Titus is an ancient architectural monument located in the center of Rome’s historic built-up area. The one-span arch was erected in 81 AD and became a classic of Roman architecture. It served as a prototype for many triumphal arches that appeared later in different countries of the world.
The Arch of Titus Interesting Facts
In Roman times, the laconic and solemn arch was one of the decorations of the forum. It was erected to immortalize in stone the military victories of the Roman legions led by Emperor Titus Vespasian.
However, these victories were considered outstanding only by the Romans themselves, and in world history the memory of military actions 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 A.D. the Roman Senate erected another three-span arch in honor of Emperor Titus. It was located in the eastern part of the famous hippodrome Circus Maximus. However, this structure has not survived.
Thanks to the work of restorers, the one-span Triumphal Arch looks just as it did 2,000 years ago. The only thing missing is the bronze statue of Titus himself on a quadriga, which originally adorned the upper part of the monument.
On one side of the archway you can see the majestic Colosseum, and on 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 conducted trade and held meetings of citizens.
The Arch of Titus is not difficult to find. It rises not far from the Colosseum, at the end of the Sacred Road or Via Sacra, which connects the Capitoline and Palatine hills. For tourists, the ancient monument is accessible around the clock.
War in Judea
In 66 AD, a rebellion against the Romans broke out in the Roman province of Judea. At first the rebels were successful, but soon Vespasian was sent to Judea to quell the revolt. The Roman commander managed to quickly capture Galilee and take the leader of the rebels – Josephus Flavius, who later described the events in a multi-volume work “Jewish War”.
In 69 Vespasian received the title of Emperor and returned to Rome. To command legions of Romans remained his son Tin Flavius Vespasianus. Roman armies led siege of Jerusalem during 5 months, and during fighting in city there was a terrible famine.
When Titus took the capital of Judea, he looted and burned it. The Romans destroyed the main Jewish sanctuary, the great temple of Jerusalem, and stolen valuables were taken to Rome. Titus and his brother Domitian were honored when they returned home.
History of the Arch of Triumph of Titus in Rome
Triumphal arches in Rome began to be built in the times of the Republic. Triumph awaited the victors who passed through the stone gates – honor and adoration of the citizens of Rome, glory and praise, as well as a long memory of their military success. Titus’ triumphal arch was built by his brother, the Roman Emperor Domitian, shortly after Titus Vespasian died. It was intended to memorialize the victory of Rome’s forces in the Jerusalem War.
The place where the arch was placed is remarkable. In 64 A.D. there was a great fire in central Rome, and afterward on the wasteland near Palatine Hill they began to build a large palace and park for Emperor Nero. The luxurious “Golden House” wanted to make 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 during a fire. Instead of the 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, Italian architect Giuseppe Valadier restored the Arch of Triumph of Titus. To make the elements he reconstructed different from the original construction, 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 meters and is 13.5 meters wide. The ancient arch has a cylindrical vault that surrounds an opening 5.33 meters wide and 4.75 meters deep. Two figures of the winged goddess Victoria are placed in the corners, and there are two semi-columns of composite order each to the right and left of the aisle.
Inside the passage there are two bas-reliefs. One of them depicts Emperor Titus driving a quadriga. It is interesting that his chariot is held by the goddess Roma herself. The other bas-relief shows a solemn procession of Romans with the trophies captured in Jerusalem.
On this sculptural composition is especially distinguished seven-barrel lamp – menorah. In addition, a bas-relief depicting the moment of Titus’ apotheosis can be seen on the Arc de Triomphe, showing the emperor riding an eagle after his death and being carried away to the new world.
On the side of the forum is a dedication inscription in Latin. It reads that the Senate and the people of Rome dedicate the arch to Titus Vespasian Augustus. After the restoration in 1821, another text was inscribed next to it, in the name of Pope Pius VII. The new inscription tells us that the monument was weathered by time and was restored, thanks to the pontiff.
How to Get to the Arc of Titus
The Arch of Titus is located in the southeast of the Roman Forum. It can be reached by metro: line B to Colosseo station. There are also buses No. 51, 75, 85, 87, 117 and N2 to the Colosseum.
