Triumphal Arch of Constantine

Q: Why was the Arch of Constantine so important?

The Arch of Constantine is so important because it is the largest surviving triumphal arch and the last great monument of the Roman Empire. It is also dedicated to one of the main historical characters who played a key role in the legalization of the Christian religion.

Q: What does the triumphal Arch of Constantine symbolize?

The arch commemorates Constantine's victory in the civil war, as a result of which he became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. The monument played an important role in legitimizing the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great after the victory over Emperor Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge on 28 October 312.

Q: How big is the Arch of Constantine?

The Arch of Constantine is the largest ancient arch that has survived to this day. It is 21 meters (69ft) high, 25 meters (82 ft) wide, and is made up of three arches.

Q: What is the best time to visit the Arch of Constantine?

The best time to visit the Arch of Constantine is from 6 am to 7 am. It is magical to watch the first rays of the sun appear from behind the Colosseum and illuminate the arch.

Q: Is the Arch of Constantine free to visit?

Arch of Constantine is free to visit, and there are no opening hours. You can freely move around the arch and view it from all sides. The only restriction is a protective fence to protect against vandals, so you can’t go under the arch.

Q: Can the Arch of Constantine be considered propaganda?

Yes. One of the main differences shown in Constantine's Arch relative to memorials of past emperors is Constantine's use of propaganda to show himself as a kind, charismatic ruler rather than a divine dictator.

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The Triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected in 315 C.E., commemorates Roman Emperor Constantine’s I the Great Victory over the Roman tyrant Maxentius at the battle of Milvian Bridge in Rome. The Arch is located along the Via Triumphalis, between the Colosseum, the Temple of Venus, and the Roma and Roman Forum. It is the most modern Roman triumphal Arch and the last monument of Imperial Rome.

Why was the Arch of Constantine so important?

What does the triumphal Arch of Constantine symbolize?

How big is the Arch of Constantine?

What is the best time to visit the Arch of Constantine?

Is the Arch of Constantine free to visit?

Can the Arch of Constantine be considered propaganda?

The Arch of Constantine is one of the 30 main attractions in Rome.

Contents

1 History
2 Inscription
- 2.1 Translation
3 Sculpture
4 Useful Information
- 4.1 How to Get

History

The Arch was erected on 25^th July 315 C.E. on the 10^th anniversary of Constantine’s reign. It is 21 meters high and almost 26 meters wide. Moreover, the monument is made from grey and white Proconnesian marble. The Arch was a part of a fortress under the Frangipane in the Middle Ages before being renovated in the 15^th century C.E. Also, in 1597 C.E., Pope Clement VIII removed one of the yellow marble columns. Instead, he used it in a doorway of the St John Lateran church, replacing it with a purple column.

the arch of Constantine in Rome near Colosseum

Constantine believed that his Victory over Maxentius was acquired with the help of the Christian God. Consequently, during the reign of the emperor, the persecution of Christians ended, and Christianity became the official religion in the Roman Empire. Moreover, Constantine moved the empire’s capital from Rome to Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 325A.DD.

Inscription

The block above the monument’s arches presents sculpted panels and an inscription in Latin. It reads:

IMP CAES FL CONSTANTINO MAXIMO
P F AUGUSTO SPQR
QUOD INSTINCTU DIVINITATIS MENTIS
MAGNITUDINE CUM EXERCITU SUO
TAM DE TYRANNO QUAM DE OMNI EIUS
FACTIONE UNO TEMPORE IUSTIS
REM PUBLICAM ULTUS EST ARMIS
ARCUM TRIUMPHIS INSIGNEM DICAVIT

Translation

To the emperor Flavius Constantine the Great
pious and fortunate, the Senate and People of Rome
because by divine inspiration and his own greatness of spirit
with his army
on both the tyrant and all his
faction at once in rightful
the battle he avenged the State
dedicated this Arch as a mark of triumph.
(Claridge, 308)

Sculpture

The Arch is large, and many parts of it were recycled from the 1^st and 2^nd centuries. Monuments such as the Luna marble panels were taken from the Arch of Marcus Aurelius. There are eight marble panels on each façade, showing architectural elements where the emperor is at war or conducting his civil duties.

the arch of Constantine in Rome

Eight white Luna medallions on the facades are from the lost monument in honor of Hadrian

The medallions depict scenes of the lion and bear hunt or of sacrificial ceremonies in honor of Hercules, Diana and Silvanus, and Apollo. Moreover, the two inner central arch reliefs and the upper panel on each side of the monument are connected to the Great Trajanic Frieze, which was eliminated from the Basilica Ulpia in Trajan’s Forum.

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There are two frieze panels, where the first one depicts Trajan or Domitian on campaign riding a horse and charging barbarians. However, the depiction was re-worked to make it look more like Constantine. The second panel has an architecture drawing of Constantine crowned by Victory with two females representing honor and virtue.

The Arch of Constantine in Rome

The eight Corinthian columns are from the Flavian monument of the 1^st century, which was lost. So you can see the Dacian prisoners standing above each of them.

details of the arch of Constantine in Rome

There is an original sculpture that represents river gods above the two smaller arches and two victories over the larger arch on both facades

Moreover, the monument contains a sculpture depicting the Sun and Moon on each short side. Additionally, below these, you can see a frieze depicting the entry into Rome from the east side and departure from Milan from the west.

Useful Information

The Arch located next to the Colosseum

How to Get

Metro: station Colosseo, line B
Buses: 75, 87, 85, 175, 673, 810

Overall, the Arch of Constantine is one of the best-preserved monuments from ancient Rome. It has a central location and serves as one of the most photographed sites nowadays.

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Author: Kate Zusmann

For the last 10 years, I live in the Eternal City. Traveling, exploring new things, writing blogs, and shooting vlogs are my main hobbies, but the thing that I like even more is sharing my experience and thoughts with you! Explore Rome with Us :)