Arch of Titus Facts
Shortly after the death of Roman Emperor Titus in 81 AD his younger brother Domitian, who followed his brother as emperor, began the construction of an arch to honor his sibling along the main street of ancient Rome; the Via Sacra. The Arch of Titus still stands today as one of the greatest examples of ancient Roman Architecture. When visiting Rome today kids and adults alike can still marvel at this huge structure which stands to the south-east of the Roman Forum. On this page you will find lists of interesting information about this wonderful structure.Arch of Titus General Facts
- Emperor Domitian built the arch to commemorate the many military victories of Titus which includes the 70 AD siege and conquest of the city of Jerusalem.
- The famous arch was erected on the main street of ancient Rome, the Via Sacra (Sacred Road). This road was the parade route of victorious Romans and went right through the Roman Forum.
- Construction began on the Arch of Titus in 82 AD and continued until 85 AD when an official dedication and ceremony took place.
- The Arch of Titus was damaged due to being used as a section of a fortification built in the Middle Ages by the powerful Frangipani family.
- This arch is the oldest of the triumphal arches still standing in Rome. It is also the smallest.
- This arch served as a model for numerous triumphal arches erected throughout history; including the Arc de Triomphe in Paris France which was completed in 1836.
Arch of Titus Descriptive Facts
- The archway is about 50 feet (15 meters) tall, 13.5 feet (5.36 meters) wide, and about 15.5 feet (4.75 meters) deep.
- The original main inscription in the frieze of the Arch of Titus still survives today and translates to "The Roman Senate and People (dedicate this) to the divine Titus Vespasianus Augustus, son of the divine Vespasian." It is believed that this inscription was originally ornamented by silver or gold letters.
- Lining the walls of the interior of the arch are two marble reliefs that are over 8 feet high each (2.5 meters). One depicts Titus's victory procession and loot that was taken from the Temple of Jerusalem after the city was conquered. The other shows Titus riding a chariot and being crowned by what is interpreted to be the people of Rome and the senate.
- The arch was originally built using marble. When the structure was restored in 1821, by the Italian architect Giuseppe Valadier, he used travertine (a form of limestone) to replace missing sections.
- A small frieze which depicting a triumphal procession runs all the way around the arch.
- The Arch of Titus originally had all fluted (grooved) columns; however during the restoration done in the 1800's unfluted columns were added.
ANCIENT ROME HISTORY FACTS