 It is the most important of the Roman triumphal
arches. It was built in 313 A.D. to celebrate emperor Constantine's
victory over Massenzio. It rises not far from the Coliseum at the end of
the Via Sacra. It marks the limit between Roman Forum and Coliseum area.
It is the greatest of the three Roman triumphal arches. It is 25 meters
high. It was built during a period in which Rome began its decline in
favour of Constantinople, that is the reason why, as Roman wealth had
lowered, the arch was realized with marbles taken out from ancient
buildings and preexisting monuments. In its composition statues and
decorations, originally located elsewhere, were also set. All the
materials were used to create polychromatic effects. The different
elements, all together, either artistically or historically, make it
highly representative of Roman architecture. On the wall, in front of
the Coliseum, you can see, in fact, the representation of Mark Aurelius
struggling against the Dacians; on the opposite side, you can see
episodes of the battles fought by Mark Aurelius and Constantine. |
