An Arch Look

These three triumphal arches in the Roman Forum have been on the course syllabus whenever I've taken an art history course. And I must admit that I've always had trouble remembering which was which. Now that I have been in their presence - cannot say I've walked under each, nor did I stay long enough to devote adequate time to all the relief carvings - I have a deeper appreciation, and that pesky urge to learn more.

I'm recording some interesting things I learned for my reference/ amusement. Here's an outstanding interactive map if you'd like to walk along. Try not to dawdle. Keep your eyes on the flag.

At the top is the Arch of Titus, built by Emperor Domitian in 82AD to commemorate the victories of his brother Titus, including the conquest of Jerusalem. Relief carvings on the interior show soldiers carrying off the treasures of the Jerusalem temple. History written by the victors.

I read that the Arch of Titus was the model for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris - a note for my Paris-travelling family.

As usual, a link to my favourite art history site, Smart History - arch of Titus, tells the story better than I ever could.

My middle 3 photos show the Arch of Septimus Severus. Unlike the single arch of Titus, this one has three bays. It was built in 203AD to commemorate the emperor's and his sons' victory over the Parthians (ancient Iran and Iraq) - how far the Roman Empire pushed its way!

Here's Dr. Beth Harris with Dr. Darius Arya in one of the informative chats on Smart History. I viewed the arch from several vantage points, but didn't get to stand under those coffered barrel vaults or get close to those massive columns. The many figurative sculptures and the inscriptions of the attic story inspire awe even now 2000 years later. Imagine the spectacle as these emperors  would process through the arches with the spoils of their conquest - human and material - trailing behind.  (I read that Septimus Servus declined the big victory parade due to arthritis pain. Such a human ailment for an emperor!) 

The bottom two photos show the arch of Constantine, the largest of the triumphal arches in the Roman Forum, erected by the Senate in 312AD to commemorate Constantine's victory at Milvian Bridge in northern Rome over Maxentius, a fellow emperor in a complicated government called the Tetrarchy, of which I know little.

Once again, Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker are my go-to site, here. 

I like this photo, taken from the piazza outside the Colosseum. Look at the ants milling about. The glory of the once-great Empire still humbles us.

I was surprised to learn that there were five triumphal arches in the Roman forum - archeologists and historians have discovered the crumbs of the Arch of Tiberius (16AD)  and the Arch of Augustus (possibly 29BC.) Their images appeared on coins or carvings on other arches. There is an evocative photo on this site. I would have stood there in October without realizing the past glories celebrated on that spot. The more I think about Rome, the more attuned I become to the inexorable nature of change. These arches glorified larger than life emperors and their victories, in an Empire that ruled the world for a thousand years, then disappeared. We may be entering a new era of triumphal arches, who knows?

Pondering what was.

 

I'm saving this link to the Madain Project, with its exhaustive list of Monuments in the forum, using it as I work my way through my photos, seeing how many I can put names to. Why? Curiosity? Planning for a more informed visit next time?

And here's the link to  travel consultant Susan, who has informed my journey this time.