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One of the precious symbols of ancient Rome is the Arco Trionfale, solemn and prestigious homage offered to the soldiers and heroes once back from their victorious campaigns.
During the Imperial Age the arches multiplied and they became a way to celebrate the Emperor and his family to the point that, at the end of the Empire, there were around 40 arches in Rome, mostly built at the entrance of the Fori Imperiali or along the main roads. |
Our itinerary can start from the Foro Boario, in the area of Velabro, with the Arco di Giano, built in the 4th century A.D. in honour of the Emperor Costantino. It probably takes its name from the latin Ianus that means “covered passage with 4 fronts”. Behind it we find the Arco degli Argentari, built in 204 A.D. in honour of the Emperor Settimio Severo.
Walking towards Caracalla, near the Foro Romano, we can admire the Arco di Settimio Severo, built in 203 A.D.
Going towards the Colosseo, along the Via Sacra, we get to the Arco di Tito (90 A.D.), erected to celebrate the Tito and Vespasiano’s victory in Jerusalem: one of the bas-reliefs represents the triumphal procession of the Emperor beneath the gate carrying the precious booty, silver trumpets, golden tableware and an enormous golden candelabrum.
It is still possible to admire, in Piazza del Colosseo, the stately Arco di Costantino, realized to celebrate the Costantino’s victory over Massenzio in the battle of Ponte Milvio (312 A.D.). It is undoubtedly the tallest triumphal arch preserved in Rome, about 25 mt.high, originally decorated with precious metals in golden and purple colours.
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